15 Aug 1940
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
Aug 15, 1940
Page
1
Italy signals claims on Greek and Yugoslav land to Albania as Greece rejects Britain’s security pledge. Metaxas rebukes the pressure while Athens cites calm and steadfast independence amid Italian and German diplomacy.
From dawn to dusk raids against England's coastline were repulsed with heavy German losses. RAF anti aircraft and fighters blasted attacking formations near harbors and coast towns, sinking multiple planes and forcing others into crashes at sea or fields. French naval units joined in defending a south coast port, while Berlin reports claimed British air bases crippled.
Newsreel style dispatch says 300 German planes engage southeast England in a major air battle. Nine enemy aircraft shot down from a 34-plane raid on a southeast town. four raiders felled by anti air fire, two by same shell. Raiders lose ten planes including five bombers.
The Supreme Court formally opens the trial of ministers and subordinates for war guilt. Proceedings are in camera with names withheld as prosecutors present documentary evidence of criminal abuse of office before the war. Vichy dissolves Free Masonry and other secret societies.
National Zeitung reports widespread unrest in unoccupied France with rail disruptions and food shortages. Paris and Brittany face varied conditions as the government pledges public works and relief while Petain criticizes past sabotage and outlines plans for repatriation and reconstruction.
Washington reports that the United States offers aircraft to Britain as part of military aid during ongoing wartime discussions. The proposal envisions delivering surplus planes and supporting equipment to bolster Britain’s air capabilities amid the allied war effort.
Unclear fragment discusses international travel or diplomacy involving Mexico City and broader world tensions. No concrete names or dates are readable to confirm specifics.
An army communique reports 30 foreign planes crossing Swiss airspace near Geneva just before midnight. The aircraft appeared over the Jira district, and a second alarm sounded when they returned to air.
Following a Roosevelt Knox conference the Navy debates turning Newport at Long Island Sound into a Gibraltar for New York defense. Plans reportedly include building two forts to guard the harbor and station Atlantic fleet units nearby.
The Times of India editorial argues General Ironsides could be the best leader for India's armed forces as Britain eyes India as an active center of its eastern military efforts. It notes he is only two years under the maximum age for the post.
British night and day raids across German occupied Europe target Gotha factories and port facilities. RAF squadrons faced subzero temperatures and heavy ground fire yet pressed home accurate bombing with fires spreading at key sites including Schippl, Borikum and Dortmund. Berlin alarms sound briefly with no major explosions reported.
An Italian communique says British planes bombed Milan killing 12 and wounding 44. Alessandria and Torino attacked with nine aircraft bombed. Turin fatalities reach one dead eight wounded while Alessandria reports nine killed and three wounded. The British air ministry later confirms a large bomber force struck military targets in northern Italy including aircraft factories.
Reporting on Regime Fascista, Signor Farinacci vows Britain will be starved out by a blockade before Germany strikes a death blow. He cites surprise methods and coastal transport of specialized equipment as parts of the final offensive, while noting Allied Somaliland movements lack full coordination with the British assault.
An official spokesman says Britain now has the largest merchant fleet ever, but Mediterranean closures reduce gains. German occupation of France raises risk of raids and ports being put out of action, forcing use of smaller ports and coastal vessels. During recent weeks air bombings have kept losses high. about 80,000 Norwegians serve under British control.
Washington signals imminent clash over who defends the Shanghai International Settlement as Admiral Hart arrives with broad authority. Sumner Welles says the Shanghai dispute is a local matter after British garrison withdrawal. Pirates raid Shinwa as Japanese warships standby off the coast.
Experts examine German parachutes found in England and assess if they are not the game type used in the Low Countries. A few parachutes are reported with no confirmation of any landing or capture. It is believed the parachutes belonged to German airmen who baled out and hid.
The liner Ceramic and the freighter Testbank collided in the South Atlantic over the weekend near Capetown. Both ships reached harbour after damage. The Ceramic suffered a starboard bow hole large enough for two buses to enter. A rescue ship carried its own passengers and the crew slept on decks and in saloons.
British troops hold strong defensive positions in Somaliland as Italian forces push to breach main lines. Despite a breaching attempt, Italian gains are limited and heavy casualties are reported. The campaign mirrors preannounced plans, with no immediate withdrawal expected.
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