17 Apr 1945
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 14 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Apr 17, 1945
Page
1
Allied forces press toward Berlin in a volatile east front where German resistance slows but fails to halt the advance. American and British units push from Elbe bridgeheads toward Bremen Hamburg while Czech and Polish troops advance in the north, threatening German pockets along the North Sea coast.
London report notes allies to decide Germany remittance after Berlin fall. Dispatch says Berlin may lose status as capital and city size, with plans for occupation and major reconstruction hurdles. Observers foresee long disruption and mass displacement as Germany reorganizes.
The report notes German strength in Italy with about 40 divisions and Italian manpower. General Alexander states Allied Armies in Italy will be responsible for occupation of part of Austria, to be divided into three zones, as the Fifth and Eighth Armies launch a strong offensive toward Bologna with bombardment plans.
Reported blitz captures a fortress at the mouth of the Gironde amid seven hours of bombardment. German resistance collapsed as French forces entered the stronghold. Armoured divisions and air cover supported the assault, with thousands of prisoners said to be taken and heavy enemy losses noted. Early dispatches described strategic gains for the western front and shifts in German communications.
An Allied briefing cites prisoner captures by forces including the First, Third, Ninth Armies and others since D-Day. Figures show 818,000 by the American First Army, 447,000 by the Third, 318,000 by the Ninth, with Rhine and Ruhr operations yielding additional captures and pockets in the European theater.
Reuters dispatch from Dutch and Allied sources reports Nazi Governor Seyss Inquart fleeing Holland last week and joining other leaders at a chosen hideout for a final stand. It says a German propaganda chief and other high command were in retreat as Allied forces close in.
London reports a raid on Potsdam driven by heavy bombers that left the town largely eliminated. The attack followed a daylight over London where formations roared low and shook buildings. Allied air forces were said to be preparing a major victory parade in the plans reported by the Daily Mail. American heavies, returning from Gironde, joined mosquitos in the evening sorties against Dortmund.
Reports from Washington indicate talks with Britain, America, France and China show broad support for a charter broader than Dumbarton Oaks. Aiming for a workable framework, organizers emphasize practicality over perfect ideals and stress unity even with imperfect agreement.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was buried on the Hyde Park family estate in New York after a ceremony attended by relatives, dignitaries, and residents. More than 1,090 people gathered at Pennsylvania Station before the processional to the grave, where an Episcopal service marked the interment.
A German broadcast reports a Red Army attack in the Frankfurt sector with claims of forced reshaping of positions. German commentator quotes decisive action and local countermeasures as Soviet forces press toward Vienna and Prague corridors. Reports mention Luftwaffe and ground operations, with territorial gains and setbacks described across multiple fronts.
An Allied air operation against Tokyo and its industrial outskirts is reported in robust detail. The attack involved hundreds of planes, with extensive incendiaries over Kawasaki and other targets near Tokyo Bay. Reports note damage to engine plants and chemical facilities, while Japanese defenses appear unable to counter the onslaught. A separate brief mentions a London visit by the Archbishop of York and a Vatican envoy to Greece.
A Polish leader announced a stance toward Crimea during a London meeting, signaling support for a united national framework. He described ongoing discussions with allied partners about future steps within a broader multinational framework.
Report from Bougainville says Allied air forces bombed Japanese bases with over 100 depth charges and 100,000 pounds of ordnance. Attacks concentrated on supply lines near Buin and the Hongoreal region. An enemy prime mover captured in January was used to improvise a new vehicle for moving supplies.
Reported air attacks by Pacific bombers strike Japanese bases on the China coast and near Indo Think, with claims of major installations damaged or destroyed. American forces say ships were damaged, with casualties and prisoners reported as the pursuit of Japanese positions continues near Okinawa and the Philippines.
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