06 Sep 1939
Page 1
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Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
Sep 06, 1939
Page
1
British air raids damaged two German battleships at Kiel and Wilhelmshaven as a 200 mile Rhine frontier battle raged. German bombers hit Polish towns while Poles fight on German soil and Athenia survivors head to port. Neutrality stances shift as Japan and small European states declare positions.
Allied air raids targeted Wilhelmshaven and nearby Kiel Canal area with direct damage to two German battleships, while unconfirmed reports claimed German planes attacked Paris. British bombers hit naval vessels near Kiel and Wilhelmshaven with casualties admitted. Paris reports remained uncertain.
A Berlin message says Herr Jutland reported great activity along the west coast and at Sylt. German air bases report squadrons arriving and troops crossing toward the Vistula near Kulm. Firing heard in the distance as a province near Bibjerg and Tanisk were bombed, with casualties. A Zurich source notes an explosion at a factory in Fredrickshaven, with coverage in Cologne Dusseldorf Moravis and Bohemia.
British planes dropped six million leaflets over Northern and Western Germany on Tuesday. The leaflets declared England had gone to war against the Nazi government, not the German people. London communique notes the missions included extensive reconnaissance and states the Germans were driven back.
Mr Anthony Eden, now Secretary to the Dominions, says he has special access to the War Cabinet and is glad his position is honored at this time. He recalls contacts with Dominion Prime Ministers in London and Geneva as he acts as go between for the Dominions and the War Cabinet.
British broadcast from London says two German ships were sunk in an air battle. One 4 576 tons gross was sailing from Buenos Aires to Hamburg, the other 6 500 tons, outward from Holland. The incidents occurred off the Danish coast during a morning air action between British and German forces.
Reports from Warsaw describe a large German air raid with at least 30 planes involved. Three German aircraft were shot down while fires raged in warehouses and stations. Civilian casualties were heavy and unconfirmed, with 1,500 believed injured or detained in air raids over two days.
German forces advance into central provinces of Poland amid heavy resistance. Reports describe retreats and prisoner captures as the front lines shift eastward toward Perusalie positions. Front communications indicate ongoing postal arrangements and supply concerns affecting troops.
A German communique claims troops on the Silesian front captured four towns and reached the Cracow neighborhood. It states the Polish staff abandoned Bydgoszcz and Gmdzaz south of the Corridor, with a later Polish official communique continuing the report.
British wire report says Athenia and rescue ships reached site with many injured taken to hospital. Survivors describe torpedo strike without warning and a submarine surfacing 100 yards away firing on the sinking liner. Wireless report claims 300 aboard may be missing though some 400 were rescued by various vessels.
British wireless reports say Athenia survivors have reached Greenock on the Clyde after being picked up 200 miles off the Hebrides when the liner was torpedoed. Casualty figures vary, with passengers uncertain and rescuers detailing lifeboat losses and ships aiding in the perilous convoy to safety.
Interviews with rescued Athenia passengers arriving in Greenock describe crowded lifeboats, many deaths at the moment of the blast and during rescue. A woman recalls passengers jumping into the sea and not resurfacing. Injured were carried away on stretchers aboard rescue ships.
Canberra reports that Prime Minister RG Menzies will shortly announce the formation of an Australian War Cabinet. It will operate continuously and meet in Melbourne or Canberra as needed to handle defence problems expeditiously.
London reports continued naval activity across eastern seas with no major operation. Admiralty notes, in the wake of war cabinet changes led by Winston Churchill as First Lord, that the Allies confirm the sinking of the ship HMS Athenia with no warning. French officials say their ships move into designated positions.
Paris reports German planes crossed toward France after an air raid warning. The Associated Press confirms an invasion not over Paris but near Charleville near the Belgian border. French War Office says planes engaged in reconnaissance with naval forces in position.
A BBC report quotes Gen Abe now prime minister stating Japan will stay out of the European war and focus on the China campaign. The remark signals a shift toward regional priorities and avoidance of broader involvement.
In a close Labor caucus ballot J M McKell defeated Lang 20 to 12 after initial eliminations McKell 13 Lang 12 Heffron 7. McKell 47, a boilermaker turned barrister, first entered Parliament in 1917 after a conscription split and later became Minister of Justice in several Labor governments.
Australia defeats the United States to reclaim the Davis Cup. Quist beat Riggs in five sets with a late surge while Bromwich handled Parker in four, securing the decisive doubles performance as Hopman’s team clinched the title.
Adelaide Tuesday tally shows Mr Beerworth still leading with about 405 votes amid messy figures and unclear names. Robinson and others from Labor and L.O.L. appear in partial counts as officials prepare formal results and await confirmation of totals.
Opposition argues the government loan bill is unfair, citing private enterprise and front costs. The Produce Department is accused of losses totaling thousands yearly, with claims of 18 000 pounds needed for extension and unaffordable rates amid fierce competition.
Reports list several local men injured in recent incidents. George Threadgold shows improvement after a six week period and aims to rise from his cot. Bert Bateson recovers from throat surgery in Pirie Hospital. E L Gooden of Pine High School leases a0 tyonick Have. a man identified as 2.4, mate, recovering from a foot injury at Baltic Wharf. E O'Brien of St Mark's football ram mends slowly after a Nelshaby quarry accident. Thomas Masterson eye injury from a Federal Dock fall heads to Adelaide for specialist examination. Mr G Baird visiting Ellendale.
Premier T Playford announced in the Assembly that a Prices Regulation Bill will be drafted. The measure aims to curb price rises of common commodities and protect consumers, with authorities contemplating wholesale pricing controls and tender transparency.
Federal Government reports surplus product purchases in Canberra with notes on Britain’s ministry involvement and timing. Officials indicate planned procurement by the Britah Ministry.
In Melbourne on Tuesday the Premier Dunstan led the assembly to debate contentious financial changes. The government indicated no intent to rush passage of legislation, citing party unity and mounting expenses. Aimed at improving margins, the session considered broader economic measures with limited debate on the sugar industry.
The Victorian premier and opposition leader planned to confer to share information and receive suggestions as Victoria agreed to cooperate with the Commonwealth while proposing emergency legislation. Premier Dumaiis sought bipartisan support amid broadcasting disruptions affecting Australian stations. The Australian Broadcasting Commission reported the situation and noted temporary maintenance in the relay network.
Melbourne reports that Australia may defend the Davis Cup at Kooyong despite wartime travel disruptions. New South Wales and South Australian lawn tennis bodies oppose recalling the successful Davis Cup team from America, potentially delaying departure. The American championships begin next Thursday as bookings pressure or materiel delays affect the original plan.
The Mackey brothers Philip and Arthur, missing after leaving Pirie on August 21 in a fishing cutter, are reported safe and sound on a Miniminie farm near Whyalla. Details of the voyage and rescue are unclear while local officials coordinate recovery efforts and check with Pirie Hospital and Fishermen’s Association leaders.
Two children strayed near Baron area while at a drill at quarries. A search was organized by The Priore. The children went missing before 10 am and were found around 1 pm, about six to seven tiles from their tracks. They were located by Mr Gr Pratt, a local afieldman, who traced their steps through the quarry.
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