18 May 1940
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 18 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
May 18, 1940
Page
1
Allied forces push Germans from Louvain as French gain upper hand at Sedan. Royal Air Force inflicts heavy losses in Germany and on planes, with coordinated raids and strategic air superiority shaping the battlefront.
Leading French forces report control of Sedan area amid ongoing fighting with Germany. In Belgium, a British unit withdraws from Louvain but recaptures it. German actions spark alarm in Switzerland and Norway, while Yugoslavia and Greece fear Italian attacks. RAF bombers conduct a large raid on Germany with substantial damage and multiple aircraft losses, and air defenses respond with heavy anti aircraft fire.
Reports from French commanders Giraud and Hunzinger say French forces hold the Sedan sector and expect full front control within three weeks as German attacks persist. Belgians slow the invaders with stubborn rearguard actions while Allied reserves move up, with British forces covering crossings and resisting advances toward Louvain.
In West London dispatches a French official says RAF fighters shot down 50 German planes in 24 hours. British air operations over the Meuse valley and Sedan area damaged pontoon bridges and roads, while bombers and machine gunners disrupted German columns.
A French war communiqué says fighting near Cambrai Rethel and south of Sedan continues but is less severe. The British Air Ministry notes increased bombing of Germany. Hebews reports bombs struck Ulm and other targets with casualties and salvaged homes. Helverum warns Dutch about typhoid risk from unboiled milk.
British refugees arriving in London from Belgium recount a nightmarish bombing by enemy planes as they disembarked at the quay. Many were penniless and injured, with the attack disrupting the Nanmur and Lougait voyage and causing extensive damage to docks. Additional details continue on page 4.
Frederick Mann chief justice in Melbourne Practice Court today allowed changes to Broken Hill Proprietary Company articles to permit shipbuilding aircraft production and aircraft parts and electrical goods. The firm already planned shipyard work and aims to create a full industry including repairs for steamships and expansion into aviation amid wartime demand. The company sought to join Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation and discussed forming a link with Newcastle Chemical Works to supply materials for its ventures.
Yesterday recorded a maximum temperature of 64 degrees with the 24 hour minimum ending at 4:30 am. The excerpt ends with an isolated symbol or price sign.
Reported at NSW coal field meetings on Monday large majorities favored resumption of work. Debates touched on renamed mines, safety assurances, and settlement terms. Meetings held at Adamstown Welwynsburth Medway Gullen Bullen Portland with miners signaling return to work next Monday after government settlement input.
Port Augusta officer in charge Capt J Tait returns to station. Mr AL Hodges and family in Solomontown host fortnightly holiday visit. Athol Lykke, SA concert manager for ABC, brief Pirie visit. returns home after rain. Mrs C Fitzgerald, ex Beachport resident now in Burra, injured in accident. hospital stay hoped short. Mr 4 Attwater replaces C J Emery at St Mark football club. Frank Dutton recovering after surgery at Pirie Hospital. C Hansen and Th Guy discharged from the surgical ward. Sr S C Duckson of Redhill admitted to Pirie Hospital.
Announcement this week by the Prime Minister confirms the hospital ship Melbuline will receive extensive upgrades. Army headquarters also states red emergency units will be marked, cabins reconfigured, and new facilities including an X-ray room dark room laboratory and dental surgery installed.
Melbourne reports a twin engine Air Force aircraft with four crew members vanished on a flight from Point Cook to Canberra. Police investigate after witnesses saw the plane enter a dense cloud near a Melbourne district at about 12.20 pm local time and the search continues for the missing air craft and crew.
Fragmentary OCR reports indicate a discussion among MPs about appointing three legislators to support an Army reform or budget measure. Names and dates are unclear, but the text references Wilsons, Mott, and Hutchinson as possible figures in the debate.
Market notes show Wheat at 43 bushels and Silver Wheat minor ounce readings. Local buyers and sellers discuss price signals and ounces traded in the day’s exchange.
Prospective licensee B H P and others faced objections from named residents and hotel interests at a hearing before Mr Justice Guventey, with inspector Sydney Mewes Hilims reporting on site and unsuitable conditions. Objects by Norupal Vete Hotere and local hotel representatives were noted as formal protest to the wine licence.
Melbourne, Friday. Men and Monk, president of True Livious, said today readiness to adopt advisory panels for industry items. He outlined a plan to align with government policy and create a framework with several principles and subsidiary ones to address problems in specific industries.
Official notice reports the second Australian Imperial Forces convoy arrived safely at its destination. The article details aerial coordination between the Royal Australian Air Force and naval units, describing patrols, ground support, and the fortress combined operation headquarters used to track and protect the convoy during its voyage along the Australian coast.
On the wharf Australian citizen soldiers form long lines and prepare to embark. Drill and banter mix with fear and longing as rifles are passed along a living chain toward the transport. A sick digger is helped by medical staff before the ship pulls away into dusk.
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