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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
Dec 15, 1941
Page
1
A chaotic World War II dispatch reports Japanese forces concentrating on Luzon and Malaya fronts. It notes air base attempts, paratrooper activity, and ground offensives near Singapore, Kedah, and Kelantan with claims of halted Allied defenses and evolving territorial control amid heavy fighting and naval losses.
London dispatch quotes Ine Haris radio claiming Japanese forces have captured Hongkong. The report notes the claim is unconfirmed in London but suggests a possible breakthrough in the Hongkong theater given the country’s terrain.
A garbled London report quotes a Minister for Home Security Morrison stating Japan was at fault and would escalate actions. The text references a naval response and a hardened resolve, with unclear details and multiple transcription errors.
The inquiry examines why the vessels sailed without aerial support, why they moved north after a report to return to Singapore when sighted by a Japanese reconnaissance plane, and why British fighter plane support arrived late after the vessels' appeal for air assistance following the Japanese attack.
London dispatch reports Captain Yokoi, naval attaché in Berlin, saying Japan had prepared for war against Britain or America for 20 years. He claims Japan trained constantly for naval clashes and designed inland empires and central naval facilities to strike quickly, with simulations against Britain and America guiding strategy.
A British destroyer action in the Central Mediterranean sank an Italian cruiser and another cruiser was severely damaged. The communique says no American casualties on either side.Imperial air squadrons raided Crete and Patras while Libyan raids targeted El Gafsin and nearby facilities.
Unclear telegram-like plea cites Burma urging Manila for effective help before it is too late. High Commissioner Bayram urges decisive action, declaring readiness to fight to the death in defense of their cause and pleading for unity and support from Manila.
Allied air forces yesterday attacked an oil depot and a factory near Emportioh and Brass in Germany. One bomber squadron reported two enemy fighters intercepted, while another unit engaged targets in the Calamax/Niguport corridor, with one fighter shot down.
Singapore dispatch reports Australian Commander General Gordon Bennett praising high morale and eagerness to engage the enemy. He returns from Middle East duties and notes soldiers hardened by combat, expecting strong reception if landings occur, comparing to Allied heroism in Europe.
London Saturday reports that after Russian offensives in the Donets Basin German forces may shift to a new approach toward the Caucasus. A possible deviation through Turkey could aim at reaching vital oil supplies and a path into Asia.
Singapore dispatch reports ALF forces in Malaya maintaining constant patrols on vital roads as hostilities begin. Troops persevere, pushing through difficult terrain and weather to prevent enemy penetration while German diplomacy unfolds in the Balkans and on the Russian front.
Cairo dispatch recounts a heroic action during Tobruk operations. The Parramatta, Auckland and two Australian destroyers aided a torpedoed merchant ship, with the Auckland suffering heavy damage. The Parramatta sheltered the damaged vessel, assisted in rescue efforts, and towed the merchant ship to safety while under air attack and upfront gunfire.
A garbled report from Port says the Japanese fishing craft supply plans for Raiders were announced by an unspecified government. The article mentions a port, Navy Department statements, and a financial figure of 10000 units, with references to American involvement and unrest surrounding the event. Bob Often receives a separate note about Libyan cricket captain Bob Opten earning the DBO for outstanding cooperation.
Soviet troops continue advances on the Moscow front claiming the occupation of Livay southwest of Velets and about 230 miles from the capital as Russian armies extend their momentum against German forces.
Fragmented report from wartime dispatches describes French North Africa forces reshaping in the fight with German troops. Soviet and German positions are noted with casualties and retreat alongside strategic movements near Leningrad and Moscow.
British forces launched a push toward El Gazala as New Zealanders attacked objectives near the area. Reports from London describe Allied advances amid confusion and Italian traps. South African units cleared some paths while mapping and securing equipment as operations continued along the frontier near El Gazala.
State Department says Viv Universates seized the Swedish luxury Mog Bunga for 920087 tons and compensation will be arranged. It cites invoking the right of appropriation, asserting authority over the vessel amid ongoing maritime dispute.
King Goons Spam marks his forty sixth birthday today in London with the Queen present. Congratulatory messages come from all parts of the empire and the United States, including from President Roosevelt.
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