26 Dec 1939
Page 1
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 15 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Medicine Hat News
Location
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Date
Dec 26, 1939
Page
1
King speaks of peace as the festival’s core and urges unity against aggression. He praises the royal navy air force and Empire armies, thanking all who serve and awaiting the moment for action with pride in their traditions.
Paris reports military sources state only three British soldiers killed on the western front since the war began with 2,070 naval deaths and 438 in the air force, totaling 2,511 versus France 1,434. Parallel items note Australian air force volunteers, a torpedoing off England, and Finnish repulsion of a Soviet attack with heavy losses.
Pope Pius in his Christmas address condemns wartime atrocity and urges a five point plan for lasting peace. He calls for protection of life and liberty, condemns aggression and civilian suffering, and appeals to world leaders and Christian principles for a peaceful solution. He noted Roosevelt's appointment of Myron C. Taylor as Vatican representative.
Ottawa dispatch reports Lord Tweedsmuir expressed Christmas and new year wishes to the King and Queen on behalf of Canadians. The message also voiced confidence that overseas Canadian troops would fulfill the great task ahead, citing Major Gendrak A. G. L. McNaughton as commander of the first Canadian division.
Adolf Hitler reportedly crossed into France on Christmas Day and toured no man’s land between German and French lines near Spickeren heights between Saarbrucken and Forbach. The Associated Press cites sources describing him as a tempting target for French guns and notes propaganda aims to show France is not hostile to Britain.
Frosty Christmas with subzero readings across the region. Saturday's low was 9 below, Sunday 15 below, and Monday the season's low of 20 below was reached. The day after noon reads 6 below with a continuation of cold, unsettled conditions expected for a day or two.
Christmas holiday violence left 633 dead in the United States over three days with 418 traffic fatalities. Fires, shootings, stabbings and other tragedies contributed to the toll, while Canada reported 30 deaths. Ontario led Canadian fatalities with 14, seven from auto accidents.
The Roosevelt administration plans to let the commercial treaty with Japan expire on June 26 and impose an embargo on raw material shipments to Japan. A day to day modus vivendi may replace full treaty terms, with aims to shape China policy and ensure equal trade opportunities while avoiding prolonged conflict.
Helsinki reports a 30 minute air raid alarm with four planes sighted but no bombs in the city as sub zero temperatures and poor visibility hinder operations. Russian claims of destroying Finnish battalions and sinking planes appear in dispatches. Finnish forces reportedly moved into Russian territory in at least one sector.
Dublin district court held William Cleary age 36 and William Gordon age 31 for trial on charges of taking part in a raid on a Dublin fort on December 23. Police say the raid was conducted by the outlawed Irish Republican Army and the defendants remained silent during the heavily guarded proceedings.
Canadian troops on leave in England enjoyed a warm Christmas with English hospitality. More than 1,000 were on leave. Victoria League Club offered beds and breakfast for five days at 10 shillings. Christmas Day meals were free and church services were well attended as Brigadier Pearkes prepares for the Boxing Day march past.
Two chairs from London, once owned by Karl Marx, are on display at the Museum of the Revolution in Moscow they were presented to the Soviet government by Marx's grandson.
A squad of Australian soldiers in training honored their Melbourne drill sergeant with a loving cup inscribed for him as they departed. The act signals a new spirit in the army and pride in their unit.
The twenty one American republics plan to strengthen the neutrality zone around the western hemisphere to prevent further naval clashes between European powers. They will consult on adopting adequate security rules, including barring belligerent ships from repairs or supplies in American ports if they have engaged in warlike acts within the zone.
The Empire’s Christmas broadcast linked Canadians at home and abroad with the King’s message from London. King George VI pledged unity in the war effort as officers of the Dover patrol led the scenes, with voices from France and the Royal Air Force contributing to the nationwide yuletide greeting.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.