THE WAR, STEP BY STEP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 102, 20 December 1939, Page 7

THE WAR, STEP BY STEP

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

It is reported that the damage to the German 'pocket' battleship Graf Spec is extensive. Two shells pierced the control tower and two sections of the forward starboard armour plate were smashed. The extent of I lie interior damage is not known. Berlin radio alleges that the Brit ish cruisers fired mustard gas shells This is denied, the Admiralty stating that gas shells have never been issued to British warships. It is reported that several German merchantmen, which have been sheltering in South. American ports have put to sea, hoping that the Royal* Navy's attention off the River de la Plata, will allow them a free passage. Admiralty announces the loss of the destroyer Duchess which wa.-> involved in a collision with another Avarsliip, which was not damaged. Strong navail force waits for the Graf Spec's next move. The League of Nations Assembly unanimously adopts resolution condemning Russia as an aggressor and asking its members to aid Finland. Strain begins to tell on defenders as the Finns fall back before the Russian onslaught. A violent Soviet offensive proceeds in North Finland, accompanied by continuous bombing of the nickel, centres at Kolocholii and Salmijarvie. MONDAY, DECEMBER 18. Four men were killed mi the Achilles. No information is given of damage to the vessel. The Uruguay Government has given the Graf Spec 72 hours in which to leave Montevideo. German radio says that tneir sub marines and. other warships aie assembling to assist the damaged ship Captain of Lhe Admiral Graf Specsurrenders prisoners captured from British merchantmen sunk by his ship. Before they were set free the prisoners, (52 in number, were' forced to sign a pledge that tliev would not light on the sea. Penalty of death if captured. Polish war fivers don the uniform of the R.A.F. as they form ft squadron for service with the Allies It is officially claimed that the Finns are entirely in possession of the district of Tolvajarvi, on the. southern front. The troops are pursuing the Russians. Two Russian regiments destroyed. German air bases at Borkum, Nor derney and Syit bombed bv the R V F Four enemy 'planes wero > shot'down and three British planes have not returned to their base. Turkey making spirited elicit to build up an Air Force, with Britain's assistance. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19. The German 'pocket' battleship Admiral Graf Spec, which was driven into Montevideo Harbour on Thursday badly damaged alter an engagement with the British ciuisers Achilles, Ajax and Exeter, was scuttled yesterday live miles off the Uruguayan coast. The German High Command has published a casualty list of the Graf Spee and the total is 36 killed and 59 wounded. Commanders of the British vessels receive honours. German captain praises British cruisers' fight. No response from Moscow is likely in answer to Finland s second appeal to the Soviet . Mr Chamberlain tours the lines of the 13. E.F. in France. German radio states that a plot by young Polish students to blowup the University at Vilna was frus trated at the last moment. Italy's Foreign Minister reaffirms Berlin-Rome axis.