This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 25 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Apr 16, 1940
Page
1
London reports British troops landed along the Norwegian coast. Allied morale is high as countermeasures unfold and rumours fade. Norwegian broadcasts and union leaders urge resistance, while German forces claim progress around key towns, with heavy snowfall aiding mobilization and renewed offensives.
The article lists Captain Warburton Lee among those killed in the Narvik battle as five British destroyers entered the Flore. Despite Admiralty caution, Lee commanded the operation aboard HMS Hardy and engaged superior forces, leading to two enemy ships sunk and heavy losses on both sides with several officers wounded.
Government reports from the Dominions Office on Scandinavian events appear reassuring and push ministers to optimism. At pre session meetings today leaders will brief members on non confidential cables while avoiding disclosures and possible indiscretions during Parliament.
A note on how renter's world bet and other special information sources are being compiled for overseas use. The text outlines integrating diverse data streams to support broader intelligence gathering and coverage.
A British Admiralty statement confirms two German transport ships sunk and two German submarines destroyed. In separate actions an enemy convoy was attacked at Bragger tak with four torpedoes, Bergen saw another transport set ablaze by aircraft, and a small store ship was sunk by a lying boat. One British plane failed to report at its base.
Reported warning from Tokyo states Japan will counter any expansion of war to the Pacific. If Allies seize the Netherlands East Indies Japan might occupy British and French possessions in China Hong Kong French Indochina and Malaya.
The British Navy pressed an early morning action near Admiral Scheer as Spearfish rental attacked a Nazi pocket, reporting multiple hits. The Truant torpedoed and is believed to have sunk a cruiser, likely the Karlsruhe, on Tuesday. The communique lists about 25 German ships sunk or captured, with two additional losses confirmed.
Crown Prince and Government appeal to Norwegians to fight for independence as Germany indiscriminately bombs civilians in cities. Haakon condemns attacks on peaceful towns and women and children, noting naval figures discuss damage to Admiral Scheer and Graf Spee. He warns Germans aimed to annihilate Norwegians and hides his location.
Stockholm correspondent reports Norway’s government wavered over resistance but King Haakon rejected resigning. Dr Storting sought powers to negotiate with Germany as three delegates left for Oslo. News of a small force repelling German invaders shifted support to Norway’s defense.
London Sunday edition reports morning newspapers cut in size due to a paper control order that limits March and April supply to 30 percent of last year’s level. Licences already issued are reduced by 50 percent.
German planes shot down a British bomber in Gelderland province. All six crew members are believed Allied. Five planes were seen fighting across the Dutch border.
London reports heavy RAF raids on strategic targets as British warships operate in Aalesund Harbour. Two German troop transports reached Swedish waters in a half sinking condition before being towed out by mine sweepers as Swedish warships arrived, underscoring large scale behind the scenes operations.
Naval correspondent reports approximate Allied losses of German ships at sea, noting figures for heavy cruisers submarines and military vessels. The estimate cites various categories with percentages and references to doubt over exact totals.
In a night engagement on No Man's Land near the Vosges frontier Algerian marksmen drove back over 50 German troops and captured seven. French communiques report repulsed assaults with losses on multiple fronts. A German agency notes heavy resistance near Merzig and Saarlautern with several trenches wiped out.
The Postmaster General Mr Thorby announced that full BBC news bulletins would be rebroadcast in Australia by the ABC under a new agreement with the Australian Associated Press. He said the arrangement would operate immediately and was driven by high interest in northern hemisphere news.
The Associated Press reports officials at the German Embassy in The Hague burning documents as Swedish authorities thwart a Nazi coup. Swedish Nazis aimed to seize nerve centres. several leaders were arrested or placed under observation by police.
The Intransigeant reports the iron route is closed and the oil route may follow. It notes M. Reynaud’s telegram to General Weygand on his Near East return, expressing government confidence in the army and commander-in-chief. Le Soir comments the telegram shows the government not embracing certain theories.
Washington dispatch warns that if the Nazis break the Norway blockade and still threaten Britain the U S may need to shift policy Japan builds a navy to resist the United States high officials fear a swift German victory could leave the United States unprepared and unable to resist demands in Latin America
The Reichsbank annual report shows assets up 3.476 billion Reichsmarks to 12.61 trillion and note circulation up 3.576 billion Reichsmarks to 11.78 trillion. It notes that currency values are stabilized by wage and price controls, currency regulation, exports, raw materials, and investment control, with credit undisturbed since the war outbreak.
Ottawa reports that Prime Minister Mackenzie King, while holidaying in the United States, is believed to have conferred with President Roosevelt on the guardianship of Greenland.
Former aviators with distinguished war records will visit country centres in connection with the Empire Air Scheme recruiting drive.
Proposals by business bodies to improve import control on periodicals from non sterling countries will be examined by the Commonwealth Government. Newsagents say their ideas could save dollars and ease hardship. Senator McLeay welcomes trade offers to help develop the scheme along sound lines.
The article notes French and British responses to Narvik, with newspapers quoting London and Paris pieces to imply Allied defeat. It mentions a London newsroom remark about Nelson and cites the Italian Messaggero hinting at neutrality toward Germany.
Rome reports Italian naval exercises have begun weeks earlier than planned. The maneuvers cover cutting off the Adriatic and may extend to a larger arc in the Mediterranean. Authorities say the drills are not provocative but form part of Italy's strategic posture.
The British Labour Party accuses neutral states of cowardice and accuses Marr Pyne of pressuring Denmark and Norway. It argues German victories would threaten Europe and that neutrality risks poverty and loss of productive power.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.