11 Feb 1942
Page 1
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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Feb 11, 1942
Page
1
Weather outlook reports frost likely in the south with lows near freezing. Cotton prices listed, and passenger traffic includes ambulances delivering residents to and from the Hamil clinic. Local events cover prayer services, church studies, and modest social teas with guests from Decatur and nearby towns.
Preliminary engineering surveys begin at the Southern Aviation Training School toward expansion to meet War Department needs. Surveys cover the main field and three auxiliaries with a fourth auxiliary field already under construction. Lieutenant Burnham says work aims to ready facilities for future demands while officials refrain from detailing plans or costs. Frank Hulse returned to Decatur with no statement on plans. The school, formed last summer, arose from Decatur Athens area interest and local chambers of commerce.
S. P. Hill died at his Trinity Route One home after several weeks illness. Aged sixty, he leaves a widow, six sons Welton Lonnie Vonnie Leon ard Luther Ellis and six daughters Eunice Campbell Eula Wallace Vera Ledbetter Ruth Gunner Helen Hill, two sisters Nancy Ledbetter and Fannie Young, thirty grandchildren and other relatives. Funeral plans to be announced by McAfee Howell.
News arrives that Dr. W L McCulloch died this morning at 8 30 at his Huntsville home. He was the son of Mrs W B McCulloch and the late Mr McCulloch of Decatur. Further details were to be announced later.
Washington reports Admiral Thomas C. Hart is relieved from his post due to illness and Vice Admiral C. E. L. Helfrich of the Royal Netherlands Navy is named acting commander of the combined naval forces in the ABDA area. Hart, 64, requested relief for health reasons. no illness details released. Helfrich, 55, from Java, previously led the Netherlands East Indian navy.
War analyst Dewitt Mackenzie notes the Allied need to reinforce defense in the Pacific and prepare for further Japanese pressure. He cites General MacArthur and his forces under heavy enemy pressure and warns the fate of the East Indies hangs on careful strategic response.
The piece argues losses do not ensure Japanese victory and urges resolve in the war. It notes Dunkirk and France’s fall two years past, warns of a German Japanese peace bid for resource and labor advantages, and contemplates threats to Western markets.
Morgan county officials announce the selective service registration dates February 14 and 16 for all unregistered men aged 20 to 45, with exemptions listed. Registration must occur at designated local boards or advance sites to avoid war-production delays.
The city conducts a Thursday morning siren test at ten o'clock to evaluate the air raid siren mechanism. Mayor Tom Harrison asks residents in town and rural districts to report when they hear the wail to assess sound coverage.
Montgomery Alabama February 11 among those who must register for possible military service Saturday or Monday are Alabama draft board members. Governors Dixon initially named over 35 year olds to boards to exempt them, but many fall between 35 and 45 and must sign up. Those aged 20 to 21 who have not registered before must also file.
Price Administrator Leon Henderson announced rationing of retreaded and recapped tires would start February 19 as crude rubber supplies shrink. No passenger car retreads will be available this month or March, with two eligibility groups for truck and essential-war operation vehicles under strict controls.
Seville hosts a high level discussion between Generalissimo Francisco Franco and Premier Antonio de Oliveira Salazar as Nazi forces stiffen their defense along the 1200 mile front. German and Soviet reports diverge on advances with Red Army claims of progress and renewed German resistance in Europe and North Africa.
French headquarters said the Marechal Joffre, a 11,000 ton liner, escaped Japanese held Manila with 63 French officers and U S merchant seamen aboard. In Washington the War Department indicated renewed enemy assault on the Philippines as MacArthur’s forces defend Bataan and Cavite. The battle featured a spectacular air clash over Cavite and heavy Japanese pressure as Allied strategy aims to blunt a southern advance.
James T. Weaver announces his bid for Morgan County solicitor. Born near Hartsville, son of Alicia Weaver, a Decatur schools teacher, he grew up across the county. A Central High Decatur and University of Alabama Law School graduate, he has practiced law in Hartselle for over a year and belongs to the Central Baptist church, Hartselle Rotary, and Knights of Pythias.
J Miller Bonner former Wilcox county state senator resigns from Governor Dixon's legal adviser post effective Feb 16 to run for the state supreme court seat held by Justice Thomas Be Knight. Knight expected to retire soon. Attorney General T B Lawson and Circuit Judge Lamar Field of Anniston also candidates.
C Yates McDaniel reports from Singapore as bombs, fires, and Japanese air raids engulf the city. He describes planes circling over battlefield streets, two World War I era Wild Beasts bombers, and anti air fire as a broadcasting station goes silent. The piece notes the place's peril and international coverage.
A Singapore radio broadcast heard in London reported the situation on the island was very serious but not deteriorating. It said fighting on the land this morning with Japanese attempts to advance met strong resistance, though reception was poor and only two intelligible sentences were received.
Reports from Tokyo and London describe a day-long battle around Singapore as Japanese forces threaten to seize the city. Allied defenders resist with counterattacks while civilians are evacuated by warships.
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