26 Dec 1939
Page 1
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Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
Dec 26, 1939
Page
1
Christmas brought little combat activity as Hitler visited a Saarbrucken dugout while Finland held Soviet forces in severe cold. Ursula sailors were decorated for sinking a German cruiser. Vatican broadcasts urged peace as Daladier vowed to keep fighting to the end.
A fragmented note suggests a reference to relations between Russia and Germany being described as cemented by a bond, with implied themes of friendship and collaboration in a historical context.
Melbourne report says fourth week of Russo Finnish war ends with Finnish gains on all fronts. Mannerheim Line resists southern assaults, central Finland halts Soviet push toward Gulf of Bothnia, and northern invaders retreat under Arctic conditions. Finland's indigenous knowledge, mobility, and concealment backed by winter conditions hinder Russians. Russia relies on manpower and mechanisation but struggles with lakes, forests, and supply lines from Leningrad to the border. Finland's cultural and scientific achievements, including Sibelius and Saarinen, highlight a strong national spirit amid conflict.
Officers and men of the British submarine Ursula have received decorations after last week’s action in which the submarine rammed the gunboat and damaged two German Königsberg class cruisers. Lieut-Commander G Phillips earned the Distinguished Service Order while Lieuts Greer and Fiper received the Distinguished Service Cross and other crew members were awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
London reports that several train routes carrying oil and grain have been sent from Russia to Germany. Rail contact points have been established along the frontier to facilitate the movement.
After three weeks of heavy pressure on Finland, Russian forces have suffered higher losses while Finns report minor casualties and stout defense. Northern gains contrast with a southern air offensive that saw 14 Soviet planes down. Helsinki cites war supplies as key to enduring winter, Moscow counters with claims of steady advance toward the Gulf of Bothnia.
Australian press reports Gen von Brauchitsch, chief of the German General Staff, declaring Germany in a life and death struggle and urging trust in Hitler as supreme commander. Rudolph Hess echoes the claim that Hitler is God's gift to the German Empire as the world seeks peace amid Saarbrucken front lines.
President Franklin Roosevelt spoke on the international situation at a community Christmas tree event in Washington. He recalled 1939 began in peace and hope but ends amid war and misery, urging warring nations to imitate America's peace policy.
Daladier tells people of Alsace Lorraine that France will resist invasion with unwavering resolve. He asserts Germans face an "impene trable bar" and promises to fight to the end, while pledging to keep exact account of German crimes.
Mr Ralph Sandery announces entry into hotel trade by taking over the Whyalla bed and lease of Hotel Whyalla known across the Northac Pration's area. The 36 room residential hotel will cater to 48 guests with a staff of over 20. Sandery, popular in North, brings no hotel experience but broad business and sporting connections.
A parade of Pirie travelers includes Mr K H Dungey on the Adelaide express from Pirie Junction, Mr W Gloster of Orem Rubber Perth attending the Trans Australian Set, and J Kevan of Norseman Western Australia returning from Melbourne with his eldest daughter Miss A Kevan. Also mentioned are Mrs F Branford visiting The Terrace, Mr C S Hurrell in Pirie on company business, Mrs M E Willard of Port Augusta, and numerous staff movements at Pirie and James Town Schools along with a caravan headed to Eyre Peninsula for fishing and shooting. Three crew from a vessel arriving Sunday are hospitalized in Pirie.
In Adelaide on Monday six riders were hurt during the Amateur St Leger at Wayville Showground. A tyre puncture caused N Langley’s motorcycle to crash into riders, throwing 15 others to the track. Six were taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital, three admitted and three discharged after treatment. Victims include Nerts Viet with concussion and lacerations, E Derkden with concussion, A Monkhowe with a fractured collarbone, L Biskey with a fractured collarbone, and A Youill with a fractured collarbone.
A storm off the coast of Portugal sank a Spanish fishing boat, drowning four of the crew of sixty one. A Portuguese fishing boat and two crew members were lost. Local residents and hospital staff in Pirie report various Christmas visits, recoveries, and medical progress among townspeople and travelers.
King's Christmas message emphasizes peace and home as the true festival. The text declares freedom of spirit and love of peace as essential for security, aligning wartime resolve with domestic morale and unity.
The king pledges unity among Allies against aggression, praising the navy, mercantile marine, minesweepers, and drifters, with the air force as England’s defense. He calls for perseverance through dark times and a peace to be prayed for, stressing unity and faith as the basis of civilisaton.
Brisk gift buying fills Pirie streets as 800 cars circle Ellen and Florence streets. Traders report steady demand for expensive gifts while Broken Hill smelter pay boosts spending. Police warn confetti offenses as Salvation Army band plays and hotels report brisk trade amid holiday travel and railway crowds.
Yesterday’s high reached 31 with a 63 degree minimum over 24 hours ending 8 30 am. Sunday marked a high 89 with a 56 degree reading at 4 30 am.
In Phoenix Park yesterday an armed raid by IRA members occurred. Four lorry loads of ammunition were taken from stores. A park attendant was shot by raiders during the attack.
Federal Sports Club spearheads a Christmas fund to cheer hospital patients. Volunteers, led by Sister D McGuire and nurses, decorate wards and deliver toys and treats. Seventeen isolation patients remain in care, with special provisions to ensure they receive toys and good things.
In a ward at the Christmaster facility a patient named Nlle lies as a dome feet and toyw are lifted. Quiet prior checks showed readiness and purchases. At 0.30 the bell signals arrival of Father Chielatman KW Hegaitp and Mttie heads rise for the long-awaited event as staff observe quietly.
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