09 Aug 1940
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 28 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
Aug 09, 1940
Page
1
Italian forces seize Zeila on the Gulf of Aden coast as three Somaliland towns fall. In the Near East the British face a larger foe but stay confident. RAF bombers strike Massawa, while German raids over England incur minor damage. Accra liner sinks. 450 survivors rescued and 19 missing.
British near eastern forces face French defections and stronger Italian numbers as Zeila Hargeisa and Odweina fall. Lt. Wavell warns of a potential push toward Egypt while defending positions along the Red Sea and Mediterranean fronts. Reports note limited casualties among nurses and civilians amidst the rapid and contested advance.
Fragmented text reports occupation attempts near Zeila and a major push into Margeisa by a force including tanks artillery and aircraft. British delaying actions and casualties are noted while Somali forces harass and a correspondent cites uncertain connections to other theatres.
Italian ships attacked amid reports of battles in the Western Desert and along the Somaliland coast. British forces including troops from the United Kingdom New Zealand and other colonies contend with Italian advances as observers weigh invasion and manpower. Estimates put Abyssinia and Italian Somaliland strengths from thirty five thousand to a hundred thousand white troops plus many natives, with Libyan forces around two hundred fifty thousand.
British bombers launched a Massawa raid against Italian positions in Abyssinia region. They attacked docks, munitions and petrol dumps, airfields and anti aircraft batteries while facing heavy enemy fighter opposition.
Reports from Londus describe enemy bombers shot down while attacking shipping in the Channel area. Fighters engaged the raid, a pair of aircraft were claimed down, and authorities noted several other vessels battered.
Raiders attack a sanatorium in isolated strikes with limited damage. Children in the facility reportedly behave magnificently under the disruption.
Fragmentary wartime note recounts German submarine and aircraft actions near the Atlantic, mentioning sinking three merchant vessels and broader naval air activity. Names and places are garbled, but the gist indicates ongoing combat with Allied shipping.
The passenger liner Accra of 9,337 tons was torpedoed and sank stern first off the west coast of Eire while in convoy. Nineteen are missing, but 450 survivors have been landed at a northwest English port.
Canberra report details a deputation led by Mr Badman on rising superphosphate costs adding 18 a ton and 25 percent to freight, pushing Australian producer costs toward 1,250,000 to 1,500,000 pounds. Speakers urged government action or subsidies to offset shipping and production pressures while Cabinet consideration loomed.
Thurstas, Adelaide. Mr. T. Playford stated that legislation on the Morgan Whyalla pipeline would be available for early consideration. Agreements with the Commonwealth Government and Broken Hill Proprietary Company were being drafted and he expected no unrest or delay in completing them. He spoke to Mr. G. F. Jenkins.
South Australian nurses urge support for ALF service continuation. Mentioned names include Helen, Muriel, Cooper, and other staff linked to Pine Hospitals training and recruitment efforts. Potential scheduling and training timelines noted, with emphasis on continuing clinical duties and care standards.
In Melbourne detectives believe Chari Butler of Coburg killed himself with a pea rifle. A bullet fragment was found in the bush last week with no rifle present. The 31 year old traveled to Warburton alone by service car last August and was seen with friends and his wife on holidays before leaving the hotel alone.
The report describes evacuees crowded aboard ships and in Manila bungalows, herded like cattle in lounges and smoking rooms. Children suffered skin diseases from unsanitary conditions. A six year old boy drowned in the Manila surf amid the chaos.
Melbourne report states a training aircraft crashed near Narromine at 1 pm killing Flying Officer Herbert Frederick Smales of Carlton New South Wales and Aircraftman Arthur Edward Alderson of Sydney both aged 30 and 29 respectively. The trainers plane spun to the ground during a training flight.
A lone pilot, Dundee, the leading aircrairman, was killed when a plane crashed at Blenheim last night in New Zealand. The incident occurred near Weyllingson on Thursday as authorities investigated the fatal crash and identified the sole occupant.
Yesterday's measurements recorded a maximum of 638 and a minimum of 41 for the 24 hour period ending at 8 30 am. The unusual high maximum suggests a data anomaly or extreme local condition affecting the reading.
The Federated Fugive-t urners and Firener's Association announced it will join the info advisory panel only if the Australasian Council of Trade Unions sends representatives. Prime Minister R. G. Menvius said participation remains uncertain and conditions being negotiated.
ADELAIDE Thursday Etching from Andy Lotus wins the coursing meet at Bowmans. Twin of the coursing meetings Downans today was won by Etching from Andy Lotus.
Lieut C and Thomas leaves for Seymour Victoria to attend company commanders course then join B Company at Woodside. P J Walsh appointed justice of the peace. R Birrell retires from Crystal Brook National Bank and moves to Mount Gambier. Farewell from St Silas Church, clock presented by Archdeacon Dunn. C R Thomas of Pirie Fire Brigade admitted to Pirie Hospital. J P Prindis ill in Adelaide, Coventry appointed to licensing courts, D Evely returns home, Roy Skewes to Adelaide for aircraft inspector duty. RAAF reservists listed. G Watts suffers burns at the Smelters powerhouse and receives first aid.
Report from lobbies predicts federal election on September 21 with a possible earlier date. Prime Minister Menzies plans a rapid campaign by air. The major issue cited is Labor’s refusal to join a Mathonat Government. Observers expect Menzies to request dissolution from the Governor-General before announcing the date, with campaigns mobilizing nationwide.
In Adelaide both Liberal and Labor leaders boast stronger preparation for a federal vote. They credit systematic organizing over the past 12 months and a planned campaign structure. A campaign director and committee are named, with expectations of updating rolls and coordinating rallies ahead of September.
Wellington Thursday proclamation directs enrolment of the first division of a general reserve for military service. It covers unmarried men aged 19 to 45 who are natural born British subjects. Employers are forbidden to employ those eligible for the first division who have not been enrolled.
A government plan for petrol rationing will not begin on September 1 as tentatively fixed. The Central Liquid Fuel Council is to submit its recommendations to the Federal Government tomorrow. It is likely the plan will include a 50 percent increase in the private motorist’s allowance, with further board review before any formal action.
Arthur Lawrence Roney of Government Offices Victoria square was found guilty in the Criminal Court today of attempting to steal money from the Engineering and Water Supply Department on July 7. He was remanded for sentence.
Miss Betty Wilmot former Commonwealth health dietitian testifies on family diet costs for four and five person households. She cites Australian basic wage for a four person family at £19 and notes protective foods are leaner than League of Nations guidelines. Mr Clarey argues government finances sound with state deficits cited. Judge O Mara notes six states ran a £30720 total deficit.
Melbourne reports that dubert Opperman, a champion endor egelist who recently joined the Ey, has been transferred to the air faree i where he will serve as a physical instructor.
Donations to Pirie Road Cross and Ere listed with prior acknowledgments of 1482 and 1044 pounds. Proceeds noted from Caledonian Society Ball and Excelsior Band Sunday night concert. Funds directed to BHAS with dates unclear.
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