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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Dec 11, 1940
Page
5
Readable fragments mention movements near a Mas road and a barrier. References to Lil n, Barrani, Pulsed commands, and Nas appear as garbled terms. No clear events, dates, or identifiable entities to establish a coherent news item.
Air Ministry reports sustained RAF night raids on Dusseldorf industrial areas and the German port of Bordeaux. Bombs hit docks, warehouses, rail jetties, and submarine bases, with fires burning in multiple targets as crews aimed for lock gates and nearby aerodrome construction works.
Air honours list includes H E Lock of the RAF Volunteer Reserve who earned the DSC after notable action with a double Me 1098 plott during a Quadroon engagement. His total kills reach 22 with earlier DFC recognition for eight victories in one week. Also noted are Acting B Squadron Leader D S Macdonald and Sergeant R MacDowell with DFM bars after multiple missions and aircraft destructions.
The Minister for Labour Mr Holt announced a conference with the States in the new year to address wartime labour issues. A national service system will register volunteers and workers for war industries, with centres in shires and towns to tap skilled and semi skilled labour. He warned against assuming unrest from strikes and outlined reforms to arbitration machinery, a central Canberra secretariat, and explore bringing British skilled workers, financing technical training, and better placement of all labour. A national service movement will start next year to mobilise volunteers during the war effort.
Military commentator Strategicus argues Britain will defeat Germany and Italy on land air and sea. He cites unmatched sea power growing air strength larger aircraft output including Allied resources, and a strengthening army while Germany suffers losses in aircraft and pilots. He warns invasion is Britain's only risk and notes RAF attacks hinder German invasion attempts and the blockade pressures Germany.
In the House, Minister for Air Mr McEwen said aerial reconnaissance is wider than believed and commercial aircraft may be requisitioned for patrols. Senator Folll noted plans to address enemy mine threats off the Australian coast and senators urged checking boat harbours for sea-going motor boats.
Descriptions detail bombing results with incendiary and high explosive bombs striking dispersed aircraft north of hangars. A Rhodesian squadron hit Adardeb in Italian East Africa, damaging a machine gun post and silencing another. At Asmara heavy fire damaged aerodromes and hangars while Burma saw large fires ignite store sheds. A Seacray aircraft was intercepted and shot down with the crew lost.
Government has not yet named a permanent successor to Mr Alan Lewis who is relinquishing the post due to ill health. Vice Minister for the Army said recovery time requires an interim arrangement with Mr W S Jones of Trustees Executors and Agency Co. Ltd Melbourne acting as business manager for the army.
Commissioner Mackay told the Police Appeal Board that Sgt McRae’s dismissal was too severe and should stand for an appeal. He described McRae as truthful sober energetic and industrious with an outstanding record.
The Australian House heard Prime Minister Menzies report that official cables confirm a British victory in the Western Desert with 500 prisoners taken and Italian forces defeated. He cited uncertainty on Australian involvement and noted that many prisoners and materiel were captured. Air activity was light and operations continued. Australians may be in action, with government consent required before engagement.
His Majesty approves Hon H F L G Alexander as General Officer Commander In Chief Southern Command and Major General G Le Martel as Commander of the Royal Armoured Corps. General Alexander replaces General Auchinleck, who led the BEF’s final Dunkirk days. Martel, a veteran of the Tank Corps in France 1917 18, has held War Office and tank branch posts. The moves signal a shift toward expanding armoured strength in the army.
A massive explosion at a Bucharest oil tank, used by a Standard Oil missionary unit, sparked a blaze that took hours to control with German and Romanian firefighters. Petrol involved was reportedly export ready and authorities blamed a worker lighting a cigarette near the tank.
Berlin radio says Herr Hitler conferred the Iron Cross first class on Captain Rogge commander of an overseas auxiliary cruiser claimed to have sunk 94000 tons of shipping and to have brought in prizes.
Saturday evening a green parrot with red and yellow crest disappeared. A reward is offered to anyone returning the bird to F. Burroughs at 101 Causeway.
Aerad communications tested as telegraph substitute for an emergency link between Darwin and South Averett. In 110 minutes aeradio transmitted 67 weeks of traffic, with the Minister for the Air noting the service aided by Civil Aviation Department facilities despite wartime censorship constraints.
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