21 Mar 1940
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 12 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Mar 21, 1940
Page
1
British air forces conducted a major raid on Sylt with waves of bombers causing extensive fires and explosions. Meanwhile in Paris M. Daladier's cabinet resigned and a new war cabinet formation was anticipated after Parliament's session, with Daladier expected to lead a new government.
An Air Ministry communique says Royal Air Force attacked and damaged German air facilities on Hornum and Orkney Islands following a shore strike. Copenhagen reports a big raid with three waves at 7.57, 8.58 and 9.16 p.m. One British aircraft was shot down. Witness accounts describe aircraft dives, bombs on Heligoland Bight, and explosions on the island of Sylt and the Hindenburg dam.
A wartime communique recounts multiple air raids on Sylt with several planes crashing in northern regions. Bombers from the south and north bombed targets near Liat and Rantum, causing extensive damage to workshops and slipways as fires spread at night.
The Minister for Air announced in the House of Commons that the R A F raid on Sylt scored direct hits on hangars, set fires in tanks with oil destroyed, and damaged the jetty and light railway. Reconnaissance planes confirmed the success and all aircraft returned home safely.
Rear Admiral Byrd reports a 16 mile per hour gale in the Antarctic that halts base preparation and temporarily isolates five members of Byrd's party. Weather worsens as supply runs suspended and communications continue.
Sydney reports Prime Minister Menzies announced Sir Henry Gullet will replace Mr Boling as Minister in Charge of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization.
Smoke pours from the funnels of the Queen Mary and Mauretania as they load supplies and provisioning. Reported to sail tomorrow under sealed orders amid heavy port activity and speculation about routes to Australia or Hadji, with crews preparing and authorities maintaining a watchful stance.
A large blaze at the Vacuum Ol Company depot in Yaraville caused extensive oil spills. Police investigate arson and probe safety precautions as teams respond to the early night fire.
Berlin reports surprise for French shock troops on the western front with military activity between the Moselle and Palatinate Forest. Paris dispatch notes German ships and German units in lively action as patrols clash near the Saar region. A barrier of steel around Belgium is described as part of national defense against possible tank attacks.
The report outlines attempts at European peace talks tied to Brennero and Mussolini, with Germany aiming to continue the war until victory. It notes no formal peace plan from belligerents and cites Vatican opinions on potential shifts, while Mr. Welles returns to the US amid unresolved European tensions.
A montage shows Queen Elizabeth with Merchant Service heroes and the King at an East Scotland port, Graf Spee survivors in London, Ajax and Exeter marchers in Northumberland Avenue, the Duke of Windsor with Air Vice Marshal Blount in France, and leaders at a Defence luncheon. Air photographs from a Germany reconnaissance flight reveal critical military insights.
Fragmented OCR text references a special area and informant note. It mentions New Zealand and cement terminology but lacks clear details or dates.
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