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Newspaper
Geraldton Express
Location
Geraldton, Western Australia, Australia
Date
Dec 21, 1917
Page
3
Intense air fighting persists on the British front throughout Monday. Australian Air Squadrons report effective operations bombing railway stations and aerodromes in enemy occupied territory. Considerable artillery fire continues amid unclear reports of the Japanese invasion of Vladivostok.
The week saw seventeen British vessels sunk by submarines with fourteen over 1,600 tons and three under. Italian losses included two ships over and three under 1,600 tons, while French losses totaled one vessel under 1,600 tons. Allied submarine losses declined steadily since June.
War cables describe Allied air sorties over Tallway projections and trenches with heavy anti aircraft action. Multiple German and allied aircraft losses claimed. three enemy machines downed, several our planes missing, and raids on rail lines and wood areas reported. Shipping week totals show British arrivals, French movements, and overall vessel activity with multiple attacks noted.
London dispatches recount naval and aerial bombardments around Sprucevincourt and Caudiers Wood as German and Austrian forces clash. Italian front notes snow hindering movements while Italian positions near Monte Grappa resist, with prisoners taken and losses claimed on both sides. High tension reports also reference diplomatic moves and wartime propaganda from various fronts.
Fragmented wartime debate spills into the House of Commons as ministers criticize policy and leaders in Britain. The piece notes strong calls for peace terms and a desire for a lasting settlement aligned with national aims, with references to Wilton, Lloyd George, and allied leaders shaping the discourse.
Petrograd reports Cossacks have captured Rostov. French ambassador says Russia will halt negotiations unless the Central Powers accept a peace based on equal terms. An Amsterdam message notes Austria’s Reichstag cheering a proposal for no territorial or economic annexations. Turkish premiers to accompany Kunmann to Brest Litovsk with nine Reichstag representatives briefed on conference decisions.
Local notices describe the Trench Comforts Fund two-decker Christmas show at King's Theatre with a turkey raffle and tickets three shillings, plus a Moonoonooks Patriotic Concert with dance at the State School and talks by Moonoonooks and violinists. A Geraldton Returned Soldiers Association benefit cheque, £6 6s, comes from the Presentation Convent pupils. A Christmas bazaar in the Town Hall Friday features toys, candy, handcrafts, and a City Band recital, with proceeds supporting Returned Soldiers.
A lengthy public meeting at Geraldton discusses conscription and the government proposals. Voter turnout shows 737 in favor and 74 against in Dampier Division with a 13 vote majority, while wider state results indicate overall strong no majorities in several states and mixed support in others. The report contrasts orderly gatherings with earlier hostile events and notes rail and vehicle support for the pro proposals.
Friends of Thomas and Kelly families learn of sons serving abroad. A cable from India reports Mrs Lilian Mulgene’s arrival, while Mrs Thoms and family receive word that Private David Thoms is dangerously ill, with notices from Rimspur and Blackboy Camp indicating military movements and hospital care.
London dated report notes Allied and German fronts with shifting positions. It cites slowed enemy progress on the Wallan front and improved Allied posture, while Western Front fighting remains contested. Mesopotamia reports 3000 Russians aiding General Marshall against Ottoman forces. A consumer note promotes Linseed Compound for coughs and colds.
A list of household fashion cautions advises brushing dresses nightly and daily, avoiding cheap boots gloves and ribbons in millinery, sending sparkling to the beendley, ironing sleeve wrinkles, and proper storage methods. It warns against storing unworn garments without brushing and recommends laying out bodices and avoiding hangers that stress fastenings.
The document lists state voting figures for New South Wales Queensland Victoria South Australia Tasmania and other regions with totals and Yes and No tallies. It notes the remits of voting in the January elections held on October 19 with a grand total of about 1,087,807 160 038 across the states.
Advice confirms Francis Birtles the renowned motorist left Tranantle on December 14 in a Maxwell car to push the route from Fremantle to Sydney. He is said to have cut the standing record by seven hours and continued toward Sydney amid rough roads and tire concerns.
The Fourth Sunday in Advent schedule shows Holy Communion at 4 am and 11 am Matins with 7:30 pm Evensong and carols at 4 pm. A separate service at 7 am honors Holy Communion. Special Christmas events include a Christmas program for children and infant class activities Saturday afternoon.
Soldiers writing from the front describe their comrade Sam Crasford's death and the relief and sorrow of his mother. Mackay recalls Sam's cheerfulness under fire and the effort to aid him, noting two comrades killed by the same shell and the others wounded. The letter ends with condolences and intent to visit the grave the next morning.
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