German Air Blitz on Crete Sparks Defense to Death Fight
Weekly news analysis reports a German air blitz on Crete provoking stiff island resistance described as defense to death. It notes shifts in U.S. stance toward France as Vichy and Berlin deepen ties, reflecting evolving wartime alignments and political pressures in occupied Europe.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Island of
Crete
U.S
France
Vichy-Berlin
Invasion of Crete by Air Tests Nazi Paratroopers
Reports describe a large scale air assault on Crete by German parachutists backed by available air power. British and Greek defenders, Freyberg in command, report heavy German air control and significant aerial transport use including gliders. Casualty and force estimates vary, with Allied forces repositioning to Egypt and the Nile army.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Crete
Churchill
Freyberg
New Zealand
Norway
Greece
Ministry of Information
Egypt
Vichy Turning Point in American War Position
In Vichy a turning point looms as polls show convoy support shifting to a majority. Washington signals a new course favoring navy led routes to Britain and protected lanes through which aid can reach ships. Hull warns Vichy of frank talks before Franco American ties can mend. British maneuvers near Mar tinique spark concern over French fleet, while U S faith in French pledges wanes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Vichy
America
Washington
Roosevelt
Atlantic
Pacific
Red Sea
Britain
Hull
France
Germany
Porte of Martinigue
Bearn
South Atlantic
Planes and Months Highlight Navy Growth and Pilot Shortage
Admiral Towers told Secretary Knox that in 10 months the navy added 1,304 planes, reaching 3,476 total with about 600 combat types. British estimates put Germany at 2,000 to 3,000 planes in Crete, while the U S faces a severe pilot shortage. relief not expected until January 1942.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rome
Admiral Towers
Navy Knox
Germany
Crete
Mr. Knox
Navy
A New Plan Drafted in National Draft Debate
The piece outlines a proposed plan to call 18 000 young men for a rapid screening then return them home if ineligible, with on call in 10 to 30 days for eligible. It notes President Roosevelt creating the Office of Civilian Defense led by Fiorello LaGuardia, and a home guard concept. A Hawaiian blackout test and ongoing defense mediation board actions are mentioned amid strikes on the West Coast and broader inflation concerns.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pennsylvania
William Mather Lewis
Selective Service
Roosevelt
OCD
Office of
Fiorello LaGuardia
New York
Home Guard
Washington
United States
Hawaiian Islands
Navy
Defense Mediation Board
British wartime censorship masks submarine sinkings strategy
Washington reports that Britain suppresses news of U boat sinkings to keep German crews unaware and to protect blockade effectiveness. The piece contrasts public sentiment on higher taxes with isolationist opposition, noting lack of direct appeals to lawmakers as Congress weighs aid to Britain.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Germany
The Confession of Lyon Ferriter and the Basement Knife
In a tense confrontation Lyon Ferriter denies involvement as Captain Shannon pieces together motive and evidence. Andreas Horstman and Lyon’s daughter reveal a hidden past while a dramatic pursuit ends with a mysterious basement exit and a vow to continue the pursuit.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lyon
Annie
Shannon
Allegra
Cochrane
Miss Agatha
Lyon Ferriter
Mr. Ferriter
Babylon
Ione Ferriter
Mallory
Lax
Ferriter
Iane
Hoyt
Morello
Alaska
Jerry
Emil Horstman
Everett Ferriter
Andreas Horstman
Ione
Mr. Malory
Everett
Horstman
Eddie
Direct US entry urged by London paper plea
The News-Chronicle urged the United States to join the war actively, stating a desire for American fighters on the side of the Allies to help achieve victory quickly. In Philadelphia, the Academy of Music refused to rent its hall for Col Charles A Lindbergh to speak.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
United States
News-Chronicle
Philadelphia
Academy of Music
Charles A. Lindbergh
General Freyberg Oversaw Crete Air Defense
Big Job This is General B C Freyberg a New Zealander in charge of Greek British defense of Crete during the first Nazi air blitz. When British forces withdrew their air power his duty became a gigantic task.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
B. C. Freyberg
Crete
Also Mentioned on This Page
Edward C. Wayne
Western Newspaper Union
U. S. Navy
Coast Guard
Hudson River
LABOR
Bell Syndicate
WNN Service
North Atlantic
Admiralty
British Admiralty
Burton Wheeler
Gerald Nye
Mr. Lindbergh
Lindbergh
Wheeler
Nye
iBy
Frederic F. van DE Water
van Dit Water Own Service