24 Feb 1943
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 16 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Feb 24, 1943
Page
1
Allied air and sea forces conduct a broad attack on Timor area bases including Lae and surrounding harbours. Dutch squadron bombers, ships, and escort aircraft strike key targets causing fires and heavy damage while enduring counter fire. Survivors report numerous bombers damaged and forced to withdraw as the operation proceeds with naval and aerial support reported in the theatre.
Moscow dispatches report Red Army advances within 20 miles of Orel and near Rostov as German forces throw in divisions to blunt the drive. Soviet gains include captured towns, a coalfield near Bikovo, and several resisted counterattacks. Reports note German reinforcements, tank losses, and a stiffening defense as winter fighting continues.
President Roosevelt sent a message to Stalin marking the Red Army's anniversary, praising its magnificent achievements and declaring the Soviet forces have started Hitler on the road to ultimate defeat. He noted the great offensive advancing on the front from the Baltic to the Black Sea.
The London correspondent to the New York Times reports a reliable source says the Soviet Union formally guaranteed Czechoslovakia’s government it would support the reconstitution of pre Munich frontiers. The note asserts Moscow seeks no Austro Hungarian expansion and is not aiming to seize vast territories beyond the Carpathians or to control the Central European Basin.
An early report from London claims Admiral Francis, commander of the Alebitian fleet, has lost his French nationality, a dramatic move affecting his status and potential passage to an American port. Details remain unclear amid conflicting wires.
London reports a heavy RAF night attack on Bremen with over 110 bombers. Stirling Halifax and Casters dropped thousands of incendiaries and high explosives. The raid began around 8:40 pm, hitting docks, oil refineries, textile works, and aircraft plants while crews navigated thick cloud cover. Population listed near 230,000.
A fragmentary wartime item notes German fears of imminent invasion. References Le Havre and Luftwaffe activity mention recon flights and tense preparations as authorities warn of possible Allied attacks. The piece lacks full clarity but indicates heightened European conflict warnings.
A fragmented dispatch from Zagrat cites a German commander declaring a military zone in Lint amid gunfire and resistance. The report notes arms concealment and suspected aid to Patriots, with unclear connections to broader Queridla operations.
Soviet Ambassador to Finland Mr. Maisky warned against assuming victory in World War II would come quickly. He noted Germany had suffered heavy losses and urged caution, saying sentiment may grow for peace but warned the Wehrmacht could still strike. He emphasized the need to remain vigilant and not abandon efforts.
A communique stated Gandhi had four nights of broken sleep but slept fitfully during the day. He spoke at the table but showed limited appreciation and remained in a fragile condition under medical care in Bombay.
A Bombay demand and Calcutta discussions urged Gandhi’s release in the cause of goodwill. The Calcutta Corporation adjourned the meeting without reframing the issue, while Patel of Karachi supported the resolution.
Axis forces under Rommel widen the wedge between the Fire Army and the Eighth Army to about 100 miles though overall conditions appear not as dire as the Tunisian center. Reports describe heavy fighting near Tebessa and Tebessa area with Allied and Axis pressure, air activity, and tank engagements as Allies slowly press to halt the Axis advance.
The United States debates a peace offensive with Italy as officials meet with world experts and an envoy to the Vatican. The State Department cautions that presence does not imply a shift, while a Vatican audience is noted with Archbishops Spelimuta and others.
A damaged wartime wire service style notice reports heavy losses of United States Army personnel in a U boat attack. Navy authorities confirm ships sunk and crews missing with limited details due to fog of war and censorship.
AP reported a Japanese naval high command note saying a fleet unit stationed at Shinday St. and Mt Eepirite in the New Hebrides harbour area sustained damage and a destroyer was sunk with further losses. The account cited official dispatches from the Tokyo command.
Fragmented wartime report notes bombing of Munda in inland area by dive bombers aided by Warhawks. Descriptions are garbled and partially unreadable, but indicate Sunday air action against the Munda base with fires and damage reported.
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