18 Jun 1940
Page 1
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
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
Jun 18, 1940
Page
1
Fragmentary game notes describe a rally involving teams and players with many garbled names. The report mentions infield play, kicks, tackles, and potential injuries, but the exact teams, scores, dates, and locations are unreadable.
The French government led by Marshal Petain moves to negotiate with Germany after a government reorganization in Bordeaux. The army is ordered to lay down arms while Britain vows to continue the fight. Reports note plans for talks with Mussolini and strict terms likely range to capitulation for France.
London stunned within minutes of Petain's surrender declaration as newsboys cried France has capitulated and France seeks peace. Officials noted wartime morale remains strong with a taxi driver vowing Britain will resist Hitler on home soil.
At Lincoln Sir Neville Henderson predicted Hitler would bomb and invade Britain in June or July, arguing Germany could win only by starvation bombing and invasion. He said democracy must learn from Germany and that Britain must organize professionally. He noted resistance on parts of the Maginot Line and referenced the French army retreating under occupation as German forces advanced.
Melbourne wartime report quotes Prime Minister Mr Menzies calling the French declaration the start of a bitter phase of war. He urges courage and unity, praises French resistance, and says Allied strength including America can ensure eventual victory.
Stockholm dispatch notes the Soviet western push as Lithuania falls into the Baltic state crisis. Moscow confirms ultimatums to Latvia and Lithuania, with Riga Helsinki and Tallinn reports of troop movements and government resignations, while Baltic leaders face court martial actions.
Flight-Lieut G B Foul born Shangania Rhodesia led a five enemy aircraft engagement on May 26 and shot down four with the remaining aircraft damaged. He helped protect Allied forces at Bodo and fought again the next day until severely wounded. awarded the DFC.
Mr. J. B. Priestley recalls hearing an air raid warning and wishing to send children to the Dominions. He imagines Britain as the greatest fortress and vows to fight the Nazis until they break their black hearts.
A Balkan correspondent reports German workers aged 32 to 35 are sent to the front after five to six weeks of training. Neutral observers fear the war extending past autumn, American supplies, and rhetoric by Dr. Goebbels could erode German confidence. Ruhr news notes RAF raids causing strict entry controls and reports severe damage.
Senator Key Pittman chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee declares in a radio address that the United States will take necessary preparations to defend the Western Hemisphere against Hitler or any conqueror. He adds the U S has no desire to conquer Germany and will oppose Hitler from conquering any country.
Cairo reports the bombing of Sollum with Egyptian frontier casualties and eight Italian prisoners captured after Fort Capruzzi. The Grand Mufti denounces Italy’s war entry. In Rome and Malta reports, Alpine recon and air raids expand across Corsica, Malta alarms continue, and Abyssinians join French efforts on the frontier.
The report outlines a sweeping French cabinet lineup with names like M. Chautemps and M. Reynaud, amid the crisis as Marshal Petain is urged to form a new government. Reynaud’s resignation follows talks with Le Brun, while British liaison and American response loom large in cabinet deliberations and strategic direction.
A source close to the Dutch Royal Family reports Princess Juliana left the Netherlands for Canada due to her name appearing on a Gestapo blacklist. The move reflects wartime danger and royal travel restrictions.
The All-India Muslim League Working Committee has empowered President Dr. Jinnah to inform the Viceroy that India should mobilize national resources for intensifying the war effort.
The Air Ministry reports heavy air activity over the south coast last night. A plane dropped a bomb with negligible damage and no casualties. Raiding enemy planes struck open country along the south east coast as searchlights and anti aircraft fire engaged.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.