13 May 1944
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 19 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
May 13, 1944
Page
1
An Allied attack in Italy pushes from the Adriatic toward Rome with the Eighth Army driving across the Rapido and breaking toward the Gustav Line. Reports say heavy artillery and a two hour bombardment preceded infantry assaults, as German defenses along the River and through the Liri valley faced coordinated Allied advances from Ansio toward the Garigliano.
Allied air forces launched a major night raid along the coast with heavy bomber and fighter formations from Australia Britain and allied aircrews attacking targets in France Belgium and the Low Countries. Medium bombers and fighter-bombers concentrated on military targets while defenses and anti-aircraft fire were challenged. Explosions were heard along coastal towns as raids disrupted communications and damaged German air and ground units.
Reuters dispatch reports German defensive reinforcements rushed to strengthen the Gustav Line in the past 48 hours. Front-line observers note increased patrols around Monastery Hill northwest of Allied positions near a railway station.
London reports that Bulgaria declares full mobilization, ordering seven divisions to move in a decree issued last month. The total mobilization includes nine other divisions already deployed, with six divisions moving within six days. The article notes alarm over the strategic impact in the region.
Article notes Axis losses of about 26,000 aircraft in air combats with Allied forces during the war. British and American air power, plus other Allied units, attacked German planes as Archibald cites Allied communiques. Ground losses or enemy aircraft references are not fully detailed.
A garbled dispatch claims Germans have seized the 16th century Hungarian crown and sent it from Budapest to Vienna for safekeeping. The Hungarian constitution allegedly bars leaving the country, but the fragmentary text makes details uncertain.
A military correspondent reports Allied plans for civil administration in liberated areas during Europe invasion. A European Allied Constitution group and Gen Ange Gram lead the effort to establish a wartime military government in Germany to manage civilian affairs and aid postwar recovery.
London reports from a Moscow dispatch describe heavy German losses in a Soviet counter thrust along the Dniester river front. Russian troops, aided by infantry and tanks, repelled push to reclaim ruined areas as German lines near Crimea and Transylvania show strain. Soviet and Romanian port news note German fleet and ground losses, with fighters and transports reported at Varna.
A Vatican radio dispatch says the papal villa at Castel Gandolfo, famed as an extraterritorial residence, was damaged during a recent incident. The report notes prior damage and outlines ongoing security concerns at the property.
London reports Svenska On Bladet claims a mystery German air machine crashed near Kivik in Sweden yesterday. The radio controlled craft carried two magnetic mines and had a crew aboard, according to the Swedish newspaper.
London dispatch reports Allied forces pressuring Japanese positions along the southern approaches to Konia and near Breke Up. American and British air strikes claim to have destroyed airfields and downed 13 of 26 enemy aircraft as tanks and dug-in pillboxes facing Allied assault are noted in the Burma sector.
The Royal Navy frigate Spey under Commander DBC Abe engaged and sank two German U boats in the Atlantic patrol. The first submarine went down after depth charges, four survivors from the U boat were later rescued at sea. The Spey then attacked a second U boat, which also sank after prolonged depth-charge action with no damage to the Spey. Fourty five survivors from RMS Ulstoat died at sea in the presence of German officers and ratings.
News summary reports German efforts despite repairs and new tactics. War Secretary Buimeon says enemy transport network across Europe appears badly damaged with notable losses.
Allied air operations report heavy bombings and ground actions across Pacific targets including Truk Palau and Bougainville with significant losses to enemy forces. Bomber forces hit airfields and runways while radar and anti aircraft defenses responded. casualties and captures cited, with attention to Manua Island and surrounding areas.
Reported press conference cites American bombings and naval actions against Japanese targets in the Pacific. Mentions ships sunk, planes lost, and increased Allied air and sea pressure near Rabaul and Admiralty Islands with casualties and material exchanges. The account notes intensified Japanese resistance and Allied strategic movements through early March 1940s.
London reporting Admiral Sir William June Chief of Naval Information states the Aleutians may serve as a base for a large future operation against Japan. He predicts a protracted war with heavy fighting and warnings the conflict could resemble the last war in scale and duration.
Reported Japanese operations in eastern China claim advances near Loyang and Manghalan as they threaten key rail and industrial targets. The New Chinese line details bombardments and shore-to-rail actions with several Japanese points cited as pushing toward Tongkwan and nearby towns.
Reported heavy bombardment of Truk by Allied forces with multiple shells aimed at airstrips. Four enemy planes were present over the area, but reconnaissance and air presence limited any successful action. Casualty and broader outcome details are unclear from the fragmentary text.
Report from London describes a Soviet aircraft sinking an enemy transport during a raid drill. The fragment mentions a transport loss and an explosion near a German air route, with unclear details about location and timing.
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