17 Aug 1942
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 22 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
Aug 17, 1942
Page
1
Allied air forces bombed Japanese shipping and ashore targets across Timor and surrounding areas while reinforcing and supplying allied positions. The Solomons landing force reportedly reinforced and consolidation under way. Japanese planes failed to intercept, Coral Sea naval clashes continue as both sides clash.
United States warships and planes attacked Kiska in the Aleutians. One Japanese ship was left in flames and two more were damaged while all American planes returned safely.
Sunday medium bombers attacked Mape believed to be Japanese headquarters in Timor. Bombs hit selected buildings, causing extensive damage in the target area. Four Japanese fighter planes were seen at the town, escorted the retiring bombers for 70 miles but did not attack.
London reports a shell warning echoing across the southeast coast as German heavy guns fire from the French side of the Channel.British defenses halted several enemy attempts and warned of continuing bombardment along the coast during the night.
A report notes serious damage to shipping after an assault on a vessel named Rhodes by an unknown party. The incident damaged the hull and disrupted loading at the port, with authorities investigating motives and targets.
The British air force claims equal numerical strength with the Luftwaffe, noting that the RAF now matches the German power in matériel and pilot numbers, signaling a new balance in air combat potential.
British and Allies report a heavy convoy reaching Malta amid fierce air and sea attacks. German and Italian forces suffered heavy losses as carrier Illustrious and accompanying escorts arrived at Gibraltar. Officials promise full casualty and loss details once all ships report in, highlighting Malta's strategic role and the need to sustain supply lines to the Mediterranean.
The Don Elbow and Volga valley sectors push attacks toward Stalingrad. Moscow reports heavy fighting, with Soviets claiming 100 German tanks destroyed and counterattacks partially reversing losses. At Kletskaya and north of Kotelnikovo, Soviet forces repelled motorised units and encircled hundreds of Germans, while air raids struck German airfields. The Don Bend battle grows complex as infantry and tanks clash along the river.
Vichy Radio claims German forces are within four miles of a key objective in Russia, but the report notes the statement lacks confirmation from independent sources. The dispatch from London reflects wartime censorship and uncertain front line reports amid ongoing German operations.
Sikorski, Polish Prime Minister in London, hopes Moscow talks will harmonize Allied aims. He says Germany is bank on compromise peace and would likely propose it this autumn, though the Allies would reject such a plan.
Allied heavy bombers shot down two Japanese Zero fighters near New Britain while escorting a small convoy. Three more were damaged as Allied planes suffered minor casualties but all returned safely. Forward elements in New Guinea Kokoda area engaged in minor clashes.
Mrs Gordon Bungey and her son John recently arrived from Queensland are staying with Mr and Mrs H J DeDesr of Cooteell Street Pirie South. Mr Bungey remained in Queensland. Mrs Bungey had gone north about ten years ago for work in a more northern state.
A large car plunged into the Mercy River near Laimbe as five occupants were aboard. Four perished in the accident with none of the bodies recovered and one survivor making a precarious climb to safety before help arrived.
Sydney reports that a fore run call-up of women for war service may occur due to a manpower shortage. A list of women’s occupations and reserved avocations was prepared to meet the needs of essential Australian industries, though no change in current work freedoms is expected unless men remain scarce.
Senator McLeay-led opposition in Melbourne warned moves in both Houses to press the Government for full payments on 15 000 000 excess over the guaranteed 140 000 000 bushels. He blamed government handling for a 2 500 000 loss to farmers amid shortages. Protests also followed on reduced price proposals affecting excess crops.
Three Pirie soldiers on brief leave from abroad reach Australia and visit their homes. Cpl Ken Smith M.M. and Fist, Late Raters and Owen are among the returning trio. The report notes their overseas service and quiet homecoming in the immediate aftermath.
Edward John Butler aged 72 died at his residence on Amanda Street Pirie West after years of illness following retirement from a hotel service. Survived by wife and daughter Afra Dc Paproth. Funeral at Pirie Cemetery conducted by Rev A J Vogt with many local mourners and wreaths listed.
Pirie Presbyterians marked Sunds School anniversary at St. Andrew's Church Florence Street. The parade decorated hall with flowers. The Kindergarten led by La Hewier sang while Mrs P Fry organist and Miss J Arbuckle played piano. Hymns included The Services of Christ and My Saviour's Voice. A duet Childhood's Faith by Millan and Douglas Sender. Rev L W Brook led morning service and Madre A A Adam RAAF addressed the children in the afternoon. In the evening Rev Iwi sea conducted service and they sang Blessed.
Reports from Melbourne note United States Marines secured Tulagi and Guadalcanal as part of a broader Pacific offensive from Burma to the islands. Col Knox praises early gains while warning heavy losses are likely in amphibious operations. The push aims to threaten Rabaul and shift balance in the Solomon Islands. The piece also discusses Russia, the Caucasus oilfields, and India's civil disobedience crisis.
Personal notes report Mr. A. W. Lady member for Pirie spent the weekend in Pirie as the guest of his daughter. Others named include Mr. L. E. Davis of Pirie West and Mrs. F. J. Sandery of York road who remains in Pirie Hospital medical ward. Mr. H. Christie of Solomontown stays in Pirie Hospital medical ward. Peter Brown of Eilendse, still recovering from a rifle accident, was able to visit his parents yesterday. Additional brief references mention Myles of Sclamamtown and Hiendale in relation to hospital stay and a coin Pirie LY. Bich of well.
An acting coroner reported that Gladys Kreme Baldock, 18, of Scott Street Sington, died at Royal Adelaide Hospital on August 1 from gas gangrene after a miscarriage believed caused by mechanical interference. No persons responsible were identified. A cafe customer who befriended the deceased testified she invited Baldock to stay at her home until the baby was born. The deceased had told her companion she did not want anyone to know about her pregnancy. Further details were unclear from the resumed inquest due to suppression of a witness's name.
A regional charity column lists latest contributions to the Comforts Fund for Piriewnll Commborts. The 9 Beetle event in the afternoon features 6 Ladies and a 1-160 “Interested” tally totaling 50. Community members, clubs, and sponsors are named in brief entries.
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.