23 May 1940
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 16 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
May 23, 1940
Page
1
French forces recaptured Arras and press on from Valenciennes to St. Quentin amid renewed Allied strength. Italy hints at entering the war and criticises the Allies as bombings continue. French planes conducted retaliatory raids on three German towns in response to attacks on French targets.
German forces renewed a broad offensive along the northwest front, advancing toward Calais and Boulogne and pressing into England and France. German claims spoke of limited encirclements while Allies resisted near Cambrai. fighting intensified as troops moved across rivers and ports, with both sides sustaining heavy casualties and strategic displacements.
A neutral correspondent reports General Reichensu of the German Army telling neutral journalists that initial fighting has been preliminary. He claims the first trick is won but the main Allied body has not yet been met.
Allied reports say French forces retook Arras and British units smashed a German flank near Cambrai amid heavy air raids. Berlin dispatches note waves of Allied bombers over Aachen targeting rail junctions and bridges as bombardments continued through the morning.
Air Force reports detail heavy RAF raids across northern France targeting Arex Ba paume St Quentin and Cambrai with tanks armored cars and transports hit. Wellington and Blenheim aircraft struck a long motor convoy near Cambrai while Cross road and rail targets were bombed. Coastal command planes damaged Rotterdam oil tanks while a major blast hit a refinery. Between May 10 and 19 Allied air forces shot down at least 308 German planes.
Statements by Duff Cooper and French Premier Reynaud reassured the public that there is no need for panic. British and French forces remain undefeated in the field, with a formidable counter attack anticipated. A new war technique allows small German units to penetrate far distances, though these advances are limited and not cause for alarm.
Report of a government enabling bill granting power to compel labor and control property. Deputy Leader Atlee outlines mandatory service, wage parity, and use of banks for controls. Government aims for efficient labor use with unions and employers cooperating, denying panic.
Yesterday's maximum reached 745 with a minimum of 43 recorded by 8.30 am, reflecting the temperature range over the prior 24 hours.
President Roosevelt spoke at a press conference warning that German planes were machine gunning fleeing refugees and describing unprecedented casualties in Europe. He cited mobilization plans and potential actions by Congress, including possible sales and a push to expand civilian employment to at least 15,000 under a broader war effort.
A lively Pirie Catholic Ball featured the Queens introduction before a crowd of townsfolk and dignitaries. Mayor Mr. Threadgold and Fr. Goffey attended as the event drew focus to fundraising for a new Catholic school and to celebrate local youths dressed as sport queens.
Mr and Mrs Sandery of York read Pirie West has been admitted to Frome Ward of Adelaide Hospital Mrs Sandery after accompanying him to Adelaide has returned home and will likely rejoin him in a fortnight Master John Collins of Port is an inmate of Pirie Hospital Follow list of passengers by Guided Airways provided by Mr LC Pirie agent Pirie to Whyalla Fd White to Fire Meas C Eisa gy and Fra
Prime Minister Menzies announces in Canberra an intensified defence program. Key items include a large naval dock near Port Point, appointment of Essington Lewis as Director-General of Munition Supply, four specialized units under Brigadier General Lloyd, four trade union panels, and rapid expansion of naval personnel and empire air scheme. He urged full cooperation of states and industry, stressing no finality to decisions while pledging utmost effort.
South Australian Fighting Forces Comforts Fund rejects charges of extraordinary bungling. Officials say only serviceable articles were sent. the misrepresented claims about clothing and items are denied. Lieut. Col. WF McCann defends the fund’s policy and asserts parcels meet wartime needs for all three services.
Melbourne residents report the third victim of the Glen Iris tragedy has died. The deceased, a woman named Morber, is linked to a domestic incident that also claimed her husband William Morbert and another man Alan. Alan and Herbert were shot. Herbert’s body was found near a creek over a mile away. Herbert was a returned soldier with health issues.
A terse product note lists Wheat And Silver Wheat as 43 trusted Sliver 110 16 ounce items. The fragmentary line hints at a page item or catalog entry describing a brand or grade marked by numbers and ounces.
The article notes mixed khaki shirt allocations to South Australian soldiers with four khaki shorts for shipboard use and Palestine service, while blue shirts went to technical services. Lieut-Col. McCann defends the fund against broad criticism, praising volunteers and noting unfinished depot inspections.
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