12 May 1941
Page 1
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Newspaper
Lethbridge Herald
Location
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Date
May 12, 1941
Page
1
A foundational defence figure in Glarion Calt is stated to confront a broader Middle East threat linked to extremist movements. The report emphasizes security leadership and regional strategy amid rising tensions. Leaders underscore vigilance and coordinated responses among allied forces.
Berlin broadcast says Rudolf Hess, Hitler’s deputy, vanished after leaving a letter described as mentally deranged. The Nazi statement notes Hess as a key figure should Hitler die and cites tangled references to past Reichstag and war events.
London endures another heavy raid as Westminster Abbey Houses of Parliament Westminster Hall and the British Museum are struck. Traffic disrupted subways jammed sirens wail. RAF replies with increased air strikes, seven raiders shot down plus 33 in the reprisal raid, total May losses 131.
Edmonton reports Alberta's quota under the national recruiting drive is 2600 men. Major J H Gainor, recruiting officer for Military District No 13, announced the figure as Defence Minister Karsten said 32600 recruits were needed in Canada in the next two months. Ottawa also reports Defence Minister Ralston called for about 32000 volunteers to join the active army in the coming two months to reinforce armored divisions and replace units moved to various formations. The shipping situation and global conflicts influence plans.
Preliminary hearings for eight defendants charged with failing to report for medical examination or military training were postponed today in Montreal until May 20.
Lt-Col BE Oliver Wheeler named surveyor general. Son of A O Wheeler noted Alpine Club figure. followed family surveying roots in Selkirk Mountains and Alberta British Columbia boundary. Studied in Canada then London, India civil service, Everest route mapper, World War I veteran with MC.
British planes hit Hamburg and Bremen in a major bombing raid causing widespread destruction along the Elbe. Targets included shipyards and industrial plants as air ministry says vital harbor parts were disorganized. At home British defenses downed eight Nazi raiders in the night.
In May 11 days, Germany lost 161 planes to Allied action. The tally includes 124 night bombers and 37 fighters, with 35 bombers downed Saturday night for a new peak. Night fighters claimed 95 bombers over Britain and eight over northern France. anti aircraft fire and barrage balloons downed the rest.
In Ottawa the House of Commons heard Dr. Herbert Bruce press for selective compulsory enlistment as fair and efficient for Canada’s war effort. Defence Minister Ralston countered unity and mobilization themes, urging support for the current recruiting drive. The exchange touched on legality, method, and the impact on national unity amid wartime funding and war aims.
British RAF sorties smash Nazi planes in Sicily and bomb targets from Salum to Teisel as ships pound Axis bases. Royal Navy shelling of Bengasi fortress reported by German accounts with dives by bombers. London offered no follow up statement on the Mediterranean action.
London reports Canberra and Leander intercepted and sunk a German supply ship and a Norwegian tanker in the Indian Ocean. The 7400 ton Toburg and 7031 ton City Brovig were destroyed. Norwegian and Chinese crew members were rescued while 18 German officers and 47 sailors were taken prisoner. The cruisers reported the action occurred during patrol duty as the German ships attempted to flee.
Regina May 12 Premier Patterson said a decision may be made this week on Saskatchewan’s plan regarding the federal budget proposal to transfer provincial income and corporate tax collection to the Dominion government. He will confer with Federal Finance Minister Isley in Ottawa next week before any announcement.
Senate commerce panel backs a measure to empower the United States to take idle foreign ships into U S control with a caveat against seizing vessels owned by foreign governments The proposal to modify the house bill was announced as Secretary Core urged against broader restrictions while opponents seek to ban transfer of Axis seized ships to Britain The hearing record notes Chairman Emory S Land of the Maritime Commission and other officials testified in support of a selective requisition policy
British planes attacked ships at Bengasi Libya harbor yesterday and started three large fires on the mole according to the Royal Air Force Middle East command. The report dated May 12 from Cairo notes the action occurred amid ongoing operations in North Africa.
Fire Chief C. A. Cunningham said an early morning blaze yesterday that claimed four lives is the latest in a string of fires suspected as incendiary. Authorities continue to investigate leads as the death toll rises.
March 12 London Britain's first war aim is the destruction of the powerful evil force of Germany and liberation of nations now held in bondage. The Archbishop of Canterbury spoke in a special BBC broadcast urging faith in God and collective action to shorten the war.
London May 13 United States Ambassador John Winant resumed work at his desk after aiding fire watch duties during a large Nazi raid. Thousands of Londoners with desks to return to did so after spending Saturday night housing incendiaries and touring burning districts.
Workmen cleared debris from the bomb shattered roof of Westminster Abbey’s center, including the Confessors chapel, on the spot of centuries of coronations. The abbey, begun in 1050, consecrated 1065, with Wren interior, stands as Britain’s grandest church. Crown celebrations for King George and Queen Elizabeth four years ago contrast with wartime destruction.
British naval units shelled Bengasi, a western Axis port and base, damaging shipping and military targets with no reported British casualties or ship damage. The admiralty issued the statement after the Saturday night attack.
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