13 Feb 1942
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 15 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Feb 13, 1942
Page
1
Broadside accounts describe Singapore’s western and northwestern sectors under heavy Japanese pressure. Reports say allied lines held several positions with counterattacks repelling some advances, while bombardment and aerial activity intensified. Berlin and Tokyo radios claim varying success, with martial announcements about air raids and street fighting around Singapore Harbour and northern approaches.
Evacuation of Singapore is ongoing as Allied naval forces contend with enemy forces. Reports indicate coordinated efforts to move civilians and military personnel to safety while naval defences effort meets stiff resistance.
A Tokyo radio report said special landing forces had fully occupied Macassar and claimed the capture of Gummata, describing Allied evacuations and bombardment near Celebes as the Japanese press on in the region. The dispatch notes bombardment and air activity, with casualty mentions and Allied defense efforts.
A United States Army communique reports intermittent artillery exchanges with enemy batteries at Ganvite. American counterfire proved effective as hostile reinforcements hinted at renewed, powerful attacks on Bataan.
The Associated Press reports that Allied planners foresee Singapore’s fall as pivotal to Pacific defense. Officials warn that losing Singapore would force China, Australia, and Britain to endure a prolonged crisis, with Japan’s advances threatening Burma, the Indies, and the wider region.
Allied air raid on the northeast coast area raids a Japanese transport off Gaamate. two RAAF bombers failed to return. One fighter shot down, another probably destroyed amid night battle.
A Thursday RAAF communique reports direct hits on two vessels of about 7000 to 8000 tons during an attack on WeW Britain Melbourne. The update notes a Japanese ship involvement and emphasizes successful hits.
Reported heavy fighting near the Mertabas railhead close to Rangoon on the Balwen River with Japanese forces contesting positions. British air attacks targeted enemy positions in the Bart sector as Allied forces in Burma receive Thai reinforcements and reports indicate Japanese landings north east of Martaban.
London report cites Japanese casualties and materiel losses with figures: about 287 prisoners, 224 killed, 3,700 mortars and 17 air services. planes damaged, ships damaged or destroyed. several ships captured or sunk. multiple aircraft and ships listed with varying damage and casualties.
Russian forces report a bold action by detachment units from Kronstadt and Leningrad supply routes enabling food and munitions to reach the city. A Moscow dispatch cites Red Star war correspondence describing Makinci capture behind German lines, a four day hold of a German 216th unit, and a main assault pushing toward Kharkov as German forces rush divisions to the sector.
A Moscow newspaper predicts continued indecision in pace and planning as Japan concentrates forces in Indo China. The article notes strained relations and a prolonged struggle. It mentions 190,000 troops and rising tensions tied to regional maneuvering and Pacific strategy.
A scrambled dispatch notes the United States considering a Caribbean defense contingent with talks about Aruba Curaçao and the Netherlands Antilles. It mentions UN meetings and possible U.S. support to counter tensions with Venoxusin and other parties.
Reported Libyan patrols engage near Mekill sector as enemy troops withdraw after brief contact. The incident occurs around Temi and Mabil with both sides suffering minimal exchanges before disengagement.
A fragmented notice discusses Spanish Portuguese neutrality with unclear phrases and names. It mentions Franco and Portugal in a historical tone and hints at organizing a stance or orientation. Details are garbled. no clear events, dates, or actions emerge.
A scrambled report notes Dauble Bummer Time beginning with the Brigade of Apel, extending to August. The text mentions attacks on Malya London and a damaged cruiser in waters around stun, with multiple names and parties listed in a disordered account.
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