08 Apr 1942
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 18 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Apr 08, 1942
Page
1
Wounded Australians killed by fire in a hut during Japanese attacks in New Britain. Survivor accounts describe two injured men unable to leave bed when the Japanese set the hut ablaze. Reports name military figures and officials discussing the incident and returning from the front.
Reports say a small force of 120 defenders at Rabent aerodrome repelled a morning air assault. Allies claim reinforcements arrived as Japanese aircraft were intercepted, with several bombers and fighters damaged.
Report from Cairo notes the ALF salvage unit returned from Tobruk after months of repair and recuperation. The rescued vehicles aided by Australian troops rejoined defenders, with the unit sent to a frontline position and work resuming on salvage and maintenance.
Troops from BROABANT and ATP headquarters in Melshane completed a grueling 50 mile march in 44 hours, setting a new record. Of the 38 men, only one failed to finish, with most participants drawn from north and north-west Queensland. The march went from Wbane to Sutter Bt, Redcliffe, and back, amid tough conditions.
Colonel Grime announced on Army Day that Boeing four engined fortresses at the Seattle plant have doubled production since December 7. He said the planes are proving rugged against Japan and that current output exceeds planned figures. The Army now projects continued progress in the Far East with tightened inventory ahead of March 1.
Washington reports renewed Japanese attacks along the right and center of the American line on Bataan. The assault, supported by tanks artillery and dive bombers, was repelled by U S troops whose countermeasures prevented the enemy from extending gains. An attempted nighttime assault on the east coast was frustrated by heavy artillery from beach defenses.
London reports few Australians among exchange war prisoners as negotiations proceed. The process will not be officially announced and managed. prisoners reach Egypt in four to five days. About 1400 allied sick and wounded POWs and protected personnel are to be exchanged for 280 Italian soldiers and 400 protected personnel. The exchange mission will take 24 hours to complete.
A clipped wartime note alleges Germany organizes a paratroop force with hundreds of gliders and transport systems under General Kronel. The fragment mentions operations across the Mediterranean shores and North Africa and reports claimed air drops and a crash or casualty near an airfield.
The text notes British forces withdrawing to new positions about 65 miles from a minimal air base after a clash near Toungoo. Japanese air activity is described as limited with a few sorties, while the agency reports a 10 percent enemy destruction in the fighting between March 21 and 21.
A Tokyo radio report states Allied forces in Surmatra capitulated and 34 000 prisoners were taken in North and Central Burss. It cites 900 British and 1000 British and Dutch soldiers who escaped from Singapore.
A wartime bulletin states U S submarines continued operations in the Pacific with two heavily laden Japanese tankers hit near the Caroline Islands. One tanker was fired upon but escaped damage, and another sinking was not confirmed in prior communiques.
The report cites AMIS claiming 200 planes lost and 300 enemy aircraft destroyed, mentioning RAAF and British forces in the Middle East. It notes pilots and squadrons including an Anatolian squadron, with Arab joined service in the RAF, and remarks from the Minister for Air about protected fighters and German Bf 109s.
A wartime dispatch notes German forces dealt heavy blows in the Donetz Basin during the spring offensive. Reports describe enemy armor and air losses, with sharp warnings that future operations hinge on these developments. The front remains fiercely contested with reconnaissance and countermeasures shaping potential moves around Lenin, Lake Ilmen, and strategic rail lines.
The report notes 300 bombers including Muriinga Manchester We tones and Hampdens attacked Rhineland in a night raid. British and American envoys discuss Indian status as Cripps visits, with Nehru and Azad pressing for decisive steps toward self rule amid war plans.
A wartime speech depicts Indian militiamen urged to fight for independence, while Japan aims to crush British influence in India. The speaker warns of grim days for Britain and India if subjugation continues, framing a resistance path tied to national freedom and Allied victory.
The Saturnia Vulcante sails from the Cape to evacuate Italian civilians from Abyssinia, including men unfit for military work and women and children. Negotiations began months ago and about 11,000 are involved. Further action will be required and the operation may take weeks.
New Delhi reports enemy raids along the east coast of India with slight damage to harbour areas at Vizagapatam and coconada. An aircraft carrier and warships participated as planes attacked merchant ships. Casualties described as slight.
Budapest reports the Bulgarian War Minister vows to defend ceded lands with readiness for sacrifice. He urges unity for the country’s future and strengthens resolve to block interference, while Balkan press notes Bulgaria may send forces to Serbia to aid the Axis spring offensive.
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