BIG OFFENSIVE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 116, 26 February 1937, Page 5

BIG OFFENSIVE

COSTING THOUSANDS OF LIVES.

SPANISH LOYALIST ACTION. RAISING MORALE OF TROOPS. (United Press Association —Copyright.) (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) MADRID, February 25.

There seems no doubt that the Government offensive, which is the biggest since the outbreak of the revolt and which is costing thousands of fires, is aimed at an outstanding victory to raise the morale of the troops. The Government realises that the war cannot be won if it remains on the defensive. Masses of men, tanks, and armoured cars are being thrown into the attack regardless of loss.

BOMBS ON BATTLESHIP. REGARDED AS ACCIDENTAL. LONDON, February 24. Accepting the bombing of the battleship Royal Oak as accidental, Britain does not contemplate diplomatic action. FATE OF BRITISH VOLUNTEERS. MANY KILLED AND WOUNDED. LONDON, February 24. The Talavera correspondent of “The Times” says that there are 500 British volunteers in the Saklatvala battalion. According to statements made by surviving prisoners they were sent to the front after perfunctory drill and rifle practice. Two hundred were killed, 200 were wounded, and 40 were captured. An additional 500 remained at the Madrigueras base or were sent to the trenches.

The survivors complain of the lack of discipline and drunkenness of their comrades, the bad food and had treatment. They declare that they are better off as prisoners.

ANTI-RELIGIOUS CAMPAIGN

DEATH FOR POSSESSING IMAGES

LONDON, February 24. The Gibraltar correspondent of “The Times” says that during an intense anti-religious campaign in Barcelona Federigo Domingo, a brother of a member of the Cabinet, was shot dead after his trial, lor having religious images in bis 'possession.