18 Jun 1942
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 14 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Jun 18, 1942
Page
1
A chaotic field report describes fierce fighting near Tobruk with Rommel's forces countering Allied positions at Adem and Duda Peas. Air and ground battles rage as Rommel strengthens near Ballama and Acroma, while Allied attempts to hold Tobruk face mounting pressure and uncertain prospects.
In a Senate Naval Affairs move, the United States abandons five colossal battleships and shifts weight to aircraft carriers. Cruisers already under conversion, keel layings occur this year for carriers and destroyers reduced to focus on air power as Coral Sea Midway outcomes drive the pivot.
Admiralty and Air Ministry report Royal Navy and Merchant Navy with RAF and US Corps assistance delivered supplies to Garbonne at Malta and Tobruk. Heavy enemy torpedo and air attacks were repelled with several ships damaged or sunk. Fourteen enemy aircraft were shot down, and British ships intercepted dozens of bombers while rescue efforts continued.
From our own correspondent Axel gives details of naval and air actions over Darwin. Bombs, cannon and machine gun fire in aerial clashes above the harbor, with ships and buildings hit and soldiers displaying courage at machine gun posts. The raids appear aimed at wrecking the town and disrupting movement, with fighter patrols in the sky but limited visible damage.
The Rome radio quotes imply Italian dominance in the Mediterranean while noting that victories rely on allies. Reports from between the Balearics and Sidi Batrani hint at convoy battles as Italian journalists in Berlin discuss British influence waning.
Aerial combat near Port Moresby and Lae saw heavy Allied air operations. Zeros attacked, four Allied planes were reported missed, but several enemy fighters were shot down during multiple bombing and dogfight sorties.
The report describes renewed Russian and German combat in Crimea near Sebastopol, with German units pushing toward Belbek and reports of heavy fighting. Soviet lines claim repulsed attacks on Kharkov, with bombardments and aerial activity. Civilians face danger amid shelling and occupation tensions as both sides report limited progress and casualties.
London announced that RAF bombers attacked western and southern Germany near the border, with seven enemy planes shot down. The Air Ministry said British planes bombed industrial sites in the Ruhr and northern France during daylight, while German bombs damaged southern Parame. One RAF bomber destroyed an enemy night fighter during patrols over Northern France.
Captain Logan Ramsey reports a night attack by flying boats on a Japanese squadron near Perrl Harbour before dawn on Tuesday. A patrol off the Bith Way Tetands spotted several objects, locating 11 enemy ships including 10 battleships. Two torpedo boats and about 8,000 tons were struck in the mission, the first night attack by flying boats.
In London on Wednesday a dispatch reports Singapore docks and harbor repairs underway after damage. The note indicates ships and cranes are being restored as part of a broader effort to resume normal port operations amid ongoing regional tensions. The report mentions adjustments to curfews and maritime movements impacting trade and navigation.
Reported urgency from a Chinese spokesman signals a planned large offensive in the Pacific to hinder Japanese advances and threaten railway links. Cited dispatches describe heavy fighting near key rail corridors, with Chinese forces attempting to halt Japanese momentum and defend major riverine routes.
In a broadcast to the French nation on the anniversary of the war, Marshal Petain proclaimed that Allied nations bore responsibility for prolonging the conflict and urged national unity. He asserted faith in France’s future and urged citizens to stand with him as the nation ends the difficult period.
A partial report claims Spanish vessels supplied fuel to Axis submarines in the Atlantic. The Aldscom allegedly delivered fuel to a submarine while the Altecon arrived May 27 with fuel for repairs, amid broader claims of many Spanish ships aiding submarines between two unnamed dates and regions.
A garbled wartime dispatch notes America’s war effort and massive production, estimating thousands of weapons and billions in dollars for American arms. The report highlights government aims and the scale of industrial output fueling the conflict.
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