25 May 1945
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 17 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Cairns Post
Location
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Date
May 25, 1945
Page
1
Yesterdays raid by 550 American Super-Fortresses over Tokyo lasted about an hour and a half, dropping 750000 fire bombs totaling 4500 tons. Tokyo radio claimed 19 bombers shot down, fires started but extinguished by dawn, and that the Sungaku temple was destroyed.
A fragmentary dispatch outlines action in the OXinawa campaign near Yoracea hill south of Tura. Infantry engagement and artillery exchanges are noted with limited details on regiments and positions.
Repatriated prisoners recount harsh mistreatment near Trieste at Camp 7. Testimonies name Pit Ashton of the Algerian Tablelands and Lance Corporal J P Black among others. Ashton says Crete capture on June 1 3041 led to brutal conditions in Shonika and Bavaria where workers built installations.
A wartime feature describes the P47N Thunderbolt design with extended combat radius and turbocharged engine. It notes improved high altitude speed, maneuverability, and armament including two 0.50 inch machine guns, with potential as a long range bomber escort and fighter.
In Washington on May 21, a presidential cabinet reshuffle was outlined with terms like War Food Administration and a noted representative Linton Anderson expected to be reassigned. The report conveys uncertainty about exact timing and names due to damaged text but highlights impending moves and administrative reorganization.
President Truman said he did not request resignations but accepted the advisory letters of several officials. He noted the State and Treasury departments would oversee changes and referenced plans involving international leaders and wartime measures. The discussion touched on future appointments and the administration’s approach to rapid policy shifts.
London society reports ongoing diplomatic talks on the Trieste issue with no confirmation of a settlement. Field Marshal Alexander signals progress with Yugoslavs accepting military government under his command and operating through civilian authorities.
May 24 report details the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester schedule. They arrive Brisbane June 7 afternoon, stay until June 12, then travel to Ipswich and Toowoomba before leaving June 13 for Townsville. From there they proceed to Cairns and Canberra, ending the tour. Melbourne dispatch notes Deputy Leader at the State Lovar Party died in private hospital at age 43 after an operation.
In London on May 23 news reveals the Operation Pluto oil pipe line across the Channel. The British project provides continuous petrol flow from Channel ports to the Continent, mimicking Mulberry Harbours by delivering fuel directly into Germany via submarine landings. An experimental Bristol Channel test proved feasibility, with 20-foot steel pipe lengths wound on drums and capacity increased to three inches.
After laying the pipeline issue was solved the force Plala was formed. It included 10 000 ton ships down to four barges and motor boats plus three merchant ships and H M S Holdfast fitted with cable laying gear. Operation Pluto began shortly after D Day to restore the essential fuel artery to Normandy.
London May 23 AAP Bevin Labour Labour's policy aims to weld Britain, America and Russia into a great power to curb aggression while stressing patience and understanding of other viewpoints. He advocates bulk purchase, minimum price, and coordinated sales, balancing democratic reforms with fears of using eastern states to pressure Russia. He cautions against auto fascist labels for Poland and Lithuania and notes postwar France and Italy.
Melbourne dispatch reports from May 24 that Australian forces breached Japanese positions on Tarakan Island. Army release notes Western ridge behavior, Australian advances at Tarakan town, and near face of enemy lines as bombardment and infantry assaults continued. Casualty figures and precise movements described as part of the ongoing operation.
May 24 Brisbane reports a strike threat by railway unions led by All-Service Railway Unions president M O'Brien after a meeting at Trades Hall. A compulsory conference ordered by the State Industrial Court was set for tomorrow, with Storemen and Packers Union applying for the same. Delegates expect the outcome to keep strike actions in abeyance until the court report.
London May 22 reports 760 RAAF prisoners liberated from Germany have returned to Britain with about 170 still to be repatriated. Bomber Command Lancasters carried the flow, while three Australia Lancaster squadrons aided the effort. A Buckingham Palace reception is planned for 2000 repatriated prisoners on May 2.
In Brisbane on May 24 it was announced that within weeks new inspectors will be appointed, prompting retirements. Five mule-inspectors are set to retire including Pd Boman of Maryborough and Shersby of Brisbane, with Cal-lnghan of Longreach also retiring on June 9 and Sub-Inspector Geocy of Brisbane planning retirement June 21 due to ill health.
A funeral service was conducted for victims of a local explosion in Wagga at the cemetery chapel. Members of the Soldiers League and clergy from Sarna Catholic Methodist and Presbyterian churches attended. The service occurred on a Wednesday with attendance from community groups and residents.
May 1971 reports unknown saboteurs damaged a vital pipeline and poles in reinforced attacks. Four nearby sites were mined and authorities captured suspects after a gunfight, with high-level officials investigating the incidents.
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