03 May 1945
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
May 03, 1945
Page
1
Reports from Berlin announce Hitler's death and Doenitz insists fighting will continue. The press notes a nationwide mood, with orders issued and Wagner and Bruckner music broadcast as the nation absorbs the news. A British correspondent cites potential harm to Germany if Hitler had escaped.
General Patton's Third Army has reached the area near Weimar and Weimar's surroundings, with Axis troops in retreat. A German hospital train carrying wounded was halted at a destination near Mount Margre as American forces advance. Weimar installs a Jewish Democrat as Lord Mayor in a bid to counter Nazism, while other fronts report Allied progress and German captivity drives.
The broadcast exhorts Germans to continue the struggle against Bolshevism. It recalls the fallen leader and pledges continued resistance, discipline, and sacrifice to save Europe from Bolshevik threat, while outlining call to arms and defense of the Reich.
Berlin battles to hold on as Soviet forces advance from the east and west. Moscow radio says the struggle remains brutal with German defenses collapsing near key centers. Allied advances press toward Brandenburg and Berlin outskirts while prisoners are reported in large numbers.
Wartime dispatch describes Soviet refusal to back anti Russian maneuver by Allied forces. Prisoners of war were scattered through transit camps with Germans and collaborators exploiting the chaos. Commanders faced handling religious tensions and joint Allied shortcomings in managing displaced Soviet citizens.
Reports from Allied commands and leaders in Europe confirm the unconditional surrender of all German forces in Italy. Tributes note the rapid collapse of German resistance as Sixth Army and armored units advance toward Vienna and Milan reports. Treasures recovered from Florence and other cities are valued at £2 million sterling. Street fighting continues in Trieste amid ongoing offensives in the Tatrian Biogono area.
A Zurich dispatch reports that telegraph links between Germany and Switzerland have been severed amid wartime strain. An Exchange Telegraph correspondent quoted German officials claiming orders and movements were disrupted, with mentions of Allied actions and prisoner shifts. The piece notes relief talks and hunger issues affecting the Dutch and Dutch East Indies, and a potential German permission for aid shipments to the Netherlands via sea and road.
Manila reports general MacArthur silent on invasion details as heavy bombers and fighters press neutralisation of Borneo bases. Claims of 5 000 troops landing near Tarakan and ships bombarding Nicobar Islands persist, with Tokyo radio and BBC noting lack of official confirmation.
British report says thousands of tanker trucks and armor pour toward Lubeck, with Montgomery advancing on the German port. German resistance reportedly faltering as Allied forces push north of Hamburg and Trondheim. Prisoners swell the ranks while Bremen and Bremerhaven see captives. Zhukov’s forces tighten the grip on German defences.
Reports from Stockholm indicate German troops massing in Denmark number about 104000, including 17000 Luftwaffen and 28000 naval personnel. Negotiations proceed between the German Commissar for Nexui and the Danish home front as Britain and the United Nations monitor. King Christian and the Danish royal family reportedly return to Copenhagen as Danes express relief and readiness for a new government.
The Acting Prime Minister and General MacArthur discuss full and adequate publicity of Australian fighting forces in the Pacific theater. Dispatch notes Australian Army participation in Mindanao operations as American advances move rapidly, with airship and airfield actions near Mindanao and nearby bays.
In San Francisco a Chinese UN delegate described Japan’s peace overtures to China as excessive and ill received. He said China will not engage solely with Japan and added that talks at the United Nations are not proceeding smoothly.
On Okinawa General Buckner stated that the objective remains to inflict heavy Japanese losses. He noted American forces are favored with a favorable safety stance and emphasized continuing aggression to reduce enemy strength.
An award was presented to London’s Police Commissioner in a ceremony recognizing decades of service. The event highlighted his leadership, dedication, and impact on crime prevention and community safety.
Rauters Madrid dispatch reports Laval former prime minister of Prana arrived at Bucelons by air. The report notes the unexpected transit and places the arrival within the broader European movement of political figures.
A fragmented text notes an imminent liberation and a king announcing a new cabinet, with references to staying indoors and uncertain timelines, suggesting a disrupted war communications context. Names and places are unclear, but the tone mirrors wartime briefings and political reshuffles.
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