03 May 1940
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 14 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
May 03, 1940
Page
1
RAF raids severely damaged enemy airfields at Stavanger, Fornebu, and Aalborg, with Norwegian forces recapturing Aorps and expanding Narvik positions. French authorities say Oslo-Trondheim railway damage will hinder German bombing. HMS Bittern loss confirmed. Mussolini assures no abrupt shift in Italy’s stance to the US ambassador.
RAF raids devastated Stavanger Aerodrome and damaged the Fornebu and Aalborg airports. Four enemy fighters were shot down. British forces reported substantial destruction across multiple German air bases in Norway and Denmark during night and day operations.
German bases report describes a night attack with a second wave of bombers striking Aalborg and Forviu aerodromes. High explosive and incendiary bombs set fires visible from 30 miles as crews worked to defend hangars and life incendiaries burned near the edge of the airfield.
British air action headlines report RAF strikes on Stavanger Aalborg and other German targets last night. Reconnaissance planes observed wrecked aircraft and damaged facilities as air crews pursued survivability targets amid heavy opposition.
Fragmented dispatches describe British War Office notes that areas occupied by the Allies near Narvik have been extended and operations proceed satisfactorily. The report cites various fronts and entities, with garbled phrases but emphasizes steady Allied presence and ongoing activity.
Canberra reports a strong expectation that a coal strike settlement will be reached early next week as Combined Mining Unions push for a quick end to the stoppage. Officials note decisive moves by union leaders to avoid an intensified strike, with government officials hinting at regulatory actions if needed and Prime Minister Menzies hopeful of resuming full work soon.
Reports indicate German forces advancing through the Rhineland toward Narburg and Denmark. Allied and Swedish sources mention railway damage near Memel and Prussian ports, with Royal Air Force activity and French units blamed for ineffective actions.
HM S Bittern was damaged by a German bomber Thursday and sunk with severe bow damage but no casualties. The vessel drifted and danger to navigation followed, though all hands were reported safe.
London cable says Mussolini assured the U S ambassador in a personal interview there will be no sudden change in Italy's position. World watches for possible moves by Italy with intense interest.
Yesterday reported a maximum temperature of 65.2 degrees and a minimum of 524 for the 24 hour period ending at 8 30 am.
Melbourne observers report a debate on Anzac Day as an ordinary holiday with the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League vowing to keep the day as is and push to close theatres. A League sub-branch again proposes Afternoon celebrations by allowing hotels and theatres to open.
Fire brigade responded to a methylated spirits ignition at 10 Fourth Street Pirie West yesterday. Shirley Bond aged 13 held a bottle near an open kitchen stove causing vapors to ignite. matting burned, she sustained a minor burn to her left foot, extinguished by quick action and first aid from Station Officer Griffin.
The body of a man aged about 40 was found at the bottom of a brickworks quarry in Oakleigh. He was unclothed except for shoes and socks, showing scratches and a bloodstain. Police believe he wandered there after a possible nervous breakdown, fell into a waterhole while descending about 100 steps, and died. Identifications are pending.
London reports the Prime Minister stating that Norway operations are not fully revealed, with British and French fleets in the eastern Mediterranean and forces aiding Norway. The speech notes German losses and Allied gains, while Australia outlines taxation measures to fund wartime needs, including higher income and land taxes, profits taxes, and expanded sales taxes, with definitions and exemptions.
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