TWO VICTORIA CROSSES

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23108, 26 August 1940, Page 8

TWO VICTORIA CROSSES

GALLANT ACTIONS IN BELGIUM OTHER AWARDS MADE TO MERCHANT SERVICE (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.* (Received August 24, 12.20 p.m.) LONDON, August 23. The award o( two more Victoria Crosses, bringing the total so far awarded during this war to nine, has been announced. One goes to Sce-ond-Licutonant R. W. Annand, of the; Durham Light Infantry, Supplementary Reserve, and the oilier to Company Sergeant-Major George Gristock. ot the Royal Norfolk Regiment. Both decorations are awarded for conspicuous bravery in action in France. Second-Lieutenant Annand, on May 15 and 16, was in charge ot a platoon holding the south side of an important broken bridge across a Belgian river. When ammunition ran out. ho went forward with hand grenades and inflicted about 20 casualties on the enemy. Later, he made a similar attack on enemy troops and inflicted heavy casualties, but was severely wounded. When the platoon was ordered to withdraw, he was told that his batman had been left behind wounded. Lieutenant Annand returned, and brought the wounded man to safely in a wheelbarrow before collapsing from his wounds. Company Sergeant-Major Gristock, who was in command of a party of eight riflemen, went forward with one man to put a German machine-gun out of action. Although severely wounded, he succeeded, by rapid and well-aimed fire, in killing the four members of the machine-gun crew, and the position of the company was secured and heavy casualties prevented. Several officers of the Merchant Service have also been decorated for gallantry. Chief Officer David Clayton is awarded the 0.8. E., and the second officer of the William Shannon the M.B.E. Each was in charge of a lifeboat and rescued 120 men under fire when the Lancastria was sunk. Theirs were the last two boats to leave the scene, and they took survivoi's to waiting ferry boaits. Captain Wolfenden, of the steamer Aboukir, is awarded the M.B.E. The Aboukir, when returning to England with 2200 passengers, was attacked by enemy aeroplanes and by a U-boat on the following day. He tried to ram the submarine, but his ship was too slow, and, when torpedoed, it broke in two. , ~ . . The second officer of the Aboukir was pinned down by a slab of concrete. and went down with the vessel. When the Aboukir reached the bottom she heeled over, dislodging the slab, and the officer came to the surface fl^The: 0.8. E. is also awarded to Captain Bristow, of the steamer Balquita. for his services on the Norwegian coast. His ship was holed m3o places by enefliy fire, but he with the help of the chief engineer, plugged the holes and saved the vessel. ?Anti-Jewish Demonstrations—Fourteen persons were arrested but latei released after anti-Semitic demonstrations, which included attacks on Jew ish-owned shops.—Paris, August 24. Dutch Steamer Attacked—The Dutch steamer Hermes has arrived here holed The captain said that the vessel was torpedoed by a submarine 300 miles from the Portuguese coast whenthe shin was going to England.—Lisbon, August 24.

MORALE IN AIR RAIDS

REACTION OF BRITISH WORKERS CHEERFUL COURAGE NOTED CBatTISH OFFICIAL WIRF.LF.SS.) (Received August 25, 5.35 p.m.) RUGBY, August 23. ft is expected that the Minister for Home Security (Sir John Anderson) will make a further statement shortly dealing with special arrangements for air raid warnings in industrial areas. In this connexion interest attaches to the considerable prominence which the German "Workers - Challenge” station has given recently fo propaganda talKs. the purpose of which is to incite the British workers who, they hope, are listening to their transmission, against being compelled to continue to work on vital war production during air raids. The constant repetition of this theme in broadcasts from the German station is considered in London to be a sure sign of serious disappointment at the failure to dislocate Britain's industrial life, which Germany hoped would result from her recent large-scale air attacks. In point of fact, the view of the British worker, which is frequently seen expressed in the' press, is that, provided air raid warnings are sounded to enable his dependants to take shelter, he himself is prepared to ignore them and continue work. Discussions along these lines are reported to have been proceeding among the Home Secretary, the Minister for Labour, employers, and trade union officials, but the German raids have not only failed to dislocate British industry, but they have also failed to have anything but a strengthening effect on the morale of the British people. Testimony to this fact was given by Lord Nuffield this evening. He said that he was profoundly inspired by the steadiness and cheerful courage of British workers in the face of air attacks. “If the enemy could see certain residential districts in the industrial centres which I recently visited and note the cheerful contempt with which his airmen’s effort are treated by the workers whose homes have suffered, he would despair of ever breaking the morale of the British people,’’ he declared. One of the examples that Lord Nutfield instanced was that of a worker whose cottage was damaged in a night raid and who carefully rummaged among the rubble for a Union Jack, which he had kept since the Coronation. When dawn came it was fluttering gaily from the battered chimney slack.

A REPLY TO 1)1. BAUDOUIN

FOOD SUPPLIES FOR FRANCE (BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.) RUGBY, August 23. The French Foreign Minister (M. Baudouin), in a broadcast, spoke of definite proposals made from Vichy to the British Government on August 2 regarding food supplies. It can be authoritatively stated that no such proposals on this subject have reached the British Government from Vichy since the departure of the French Embassy from London. M. Baudouin complained against the British Government that supplies from French overseas possessions cannot reach France, but the only guarantee he was able to produce' against misappropriation by the Nazi authorities of any food supplies which were permitted to reach France was the promise of the Nazi Government. No independent Frenchman could take such promises seriously. M. Baudouin’s ingenuous faith in them betrays once again the extent to which the Vichy Government is compelled to act as the mouthpiece of Berlin. It will be recalled that as recently as this week Marshal Potain was reported to have told the correspondent of the “Now York Times”: "I do not protend that this Government is free. The Germans hold the rope and twist it whenever they consider the agreement is not being carried out.” M. Baudouin showed resentment ot Mr Churchill's plain account of the effect of the French defection on the plans for the defence of British and French Somaliland, necessitating the withdrawal ■ from British Somaliland, but he displayed deliberate blindness of the facts, which can only be explained by a wish to placate the Italian Government. His argument that the French garrison of 5000 troops at Jibuti would be an insufficient reinforcement to prevent the Italian advance in that area totally ignores the wider considerations of Allied strategy in the IVTiddlc East. Mr Churchill pointed out that, before the French coUapsc, a decision had been taken by the Allied commanders to maintain their positions in Somaliland Their plans provided for immediate reinforcement by a brigade in case of need. In addition, a further reinforcement could have come from Syria. In view of the French defection, not merely in Jibuti, but also .in Syria. Tunis, aiid French North Africa. British troops could not be -pared from Egypt and Palestine to reinforce the small Somaliland garrison. GERMANY AND RUSSIA ANNIVERSARY OF PACT OF NON-AGGRESSION I LONDON, August 23. To-day is the first anniversary of the signature of the Russian-German Non-Aggression Pact, and prominent Soviet newspapers, including “Pravda" and “Izvestia,” hail the pact and devote much space to eulogising the benefits it confers. The benefits to Germany are particularly emphasised, ‘■izvesiia” declares that the pact has held together with unshakeable firmness, although enemies have been frying to sow dissension between the two countries. The speech by the Soviet Foreign Commissar (M. Molotov) is recalled, in which the fundamental issues between Germany and Russia' were said to be in conformity. Germany had been secured in the east, and Russia had been free to follow her policy of neutrality. The economic agreement signed in February meant that Germany could get raw materials denied to her by the blockade. No figures were given, however. “Pravda” salutes the pact and declares that Russia is working for peace. This newspaper refers to M. Stalin’s declaration that Russia wished to remain friendly with ay nations, and declared that such a policy would be by Russia as long as other countries sought the same aim and did not act against Soviet interests.

DEFENCE PLANS IN U.S.

DEBATE IN SENATE SUGGESTED CONFIDENTIAL REPORT SOUGHT (UNITED PRF.SS ASSOCIATION—COPTRIGHT.J (Received August 24, 5.50 p.m.) NEW YORK. August 23. Senator David I. Walsh has introduced a resolution ~in the United States Senate summoning the Secretary of War (Mr H. L. Stimson) to make a confidential report on the state of the national defence for consideration and debate at a secret session of ’the Senate. Mr Roosevelt, at a press conference, said that the United States needed an army of 1,200,000. He announced that reports that the Nazis had established refuelling bases in the Caribbean Islands were being investigated. Mr Roosevelt urged the immediate enactment of conscription on "the grounds that it was absolutely essential to build up an adequate defence. He pointed out that the bill was submitted on June 20, but the House of Representatives and Senate were still talking. The President said that he had observed manoeuvres in New York Slates, and he found that the men were wjlling, but many were soft and regarded a 15-mile march as a terrible ordeal, while some European armies were capable of 30 miles a day. The Senate approved and sent to the White House a bill authorising Mr Roosevelt to mobilise 395,000 members of the National Guard and army reserves. The United States Secretary to the Navy (Colonel Frank Knox), summarising a series of four articles by Colonel William J. Donovan and Mr Edgar Ansel Movvrer, dealing with fifth columnism, declares that Nazi propaganda aims at:— (1) Creating confusion within the democracies before attacking them. (2) Inciting class hatred. (3) Plotting to retard military preparedness by utilising pacifists and church groups for that purpose. (4) Circulating propaganda among the upper classes and whipping up fear of Bolshevism to encourage appeasement. (5) Keeping the democracies apart, thus betraying and easily conquering each singly. Colonel Knox added; “The solution lies in tearing down the veil of secrecy under which traitors function. This the United States is vigorously pursuing.” - The articles have been published in newspapers throughout the nation. The Dies Committee on Un-Amcri-can Activities has subpoenaed a Gorman tourist information office in New York, demanding the immediate production of all records of correspondence and office flics as part of a broader investigation of sources ot German propaganda throughout the United States.

ITS.-CANADIAN DEFENCE

COMMISSION TO MEET IN OTTAWA (Received August 25. 8 p.m.> WASHINGTON, August 24. The United States members of the Canadian-American Defence Commission heard Mr Roosevelt’s views regarding the work confronting them. They v/ill leave on Sunday for Ottawa, where the first joint meeting will be held on Monday. The Mayor of New fork (Mr F. La Guardia) look the chair. Mr Roosevelt addressed the members urielly, alter which the members adjourned to a conlerence room for an hour's discussion. Afterwards Mr La Guardia said: “The United Stales members met the president. lie outlined his views on the situation. Members then went into separate session to discuss procedure. We shall leave to-morrow for Ottawa for a meeting with the Canadian members.” The Secretary of War (Mr H. L. Slimson) and the Secretary of the Navy (Colonel Frank Knox) were also present when the members met Mr Roosevelt. U.S. AIK BASE AT BERMUDA (Received August 25, 9 p.m.) BERMUDA, August 25. A special session of the Bermuda Legislative Assembly announced that Great Sound. Bermuda, would be made available to the United States as an air base. Earlier the Assembly sent a memorial to the Colonial Office affirming Berloyalty to Britain and asking that nothing be allowed to prejudice its position in the Empire. There is no question of Bermuda, or any part of it, being parted from the British Empire. US. DESTROYERS FOR BRITAIN REPORTED DISCUSSION IN CABINET (Received August 25, 7 p..m) WASHINGTON, August 23. Mr Roosevelt and the Cabinet met for two hours. It is reported that they are considering the proposed transfer of destroyers to Britain, and also leasing British possessions in the Western Hemisphere All declined to comment, except that the Attorney-General (Mr R. H. Jackson). replying to a question regarding the legality of transferring destroyers, said, “No opinion has been asked.” FOOD SUPPLIES IN NORWAY (Received August 25, 9 p.m.) BERLIN, August 24. The Official German News Agency says that the Norwegian Minister for Supply reports that essential supplies in Norway "may be considered completely secure and satisfactory. The country is assured of a two-year supply of fat and a potato crop surplus.”

CABLE MESSAGES IN BRIEF

Air Crash in Rumania. —Tho Rumanian Propaganda Minister (M. Crainic), the Director of the Travel Bureau, and well-known journalists and a trade delegation to Germany were among the 14 killed when a passenger aeroplane from Bucharest crashed in the mountains of western Rumania in a hailstorm. The pilot attempted to land when icc formed on the wings.—Berlin, August 23.

Indian Opposition to Britain.—The All-India Congress working committee has decided to carry on the activities of the volunteers’ organisation, in spite of the ordinance banning military drill and the wearing of uniforms by volunteer organisations.—Wardha, August 23. Canadian Exhibition Opened.—The Governor-General of Qanada (the Earl of Athlone) to-day opened the Canadian National Exhibition at Toronto.— Toronto, August 23.

U.S. Train Robbery.—Three armed bandits hold up a passenger train and robbed the mails on the outskirts of the city. They handcuffed two clerks Jo the steel frames supporting the sorting bags and demanded the bags containing a bank shipment. They then decamped in a motor-ear. —New York. August 23. King Inspects Coast Defences.—His Majesty the King yesterday inspected the harbour defences at a south-east ccast port,—London. August 23. British Honours Withdrawn. —His Majesty the King has ordered that all persons with German and Italian names shall be removed from the lists of British orders of chivalry and from tho lists of those holding medals and other decorations—London. August 23. British Children in Canada.—Eight hundred more British children have reached Canada, and many of them will-go to homes in the United States. London. August 23. Newfoundland Steamer Sunk. —The New York Maritime Register reports that the Newfoundland steamer. Geraldine Mary (7000 tons) was sunk by nnnmTr nr*tir»n r\FF + Vw» TvicL nfihcf —Npu;

Newfoundland Steamer Sunk. —The New York Maritime Register reports that the Newfoundland steamer. Geraldine Mary (7000 tons) was sunk by enemy action off the Irish coast. —New York, August 23. U.S. Minister Resigns—The United Slates Secretary of Commerce (Mr Harry Hopkins) has resigned because of ill-health. The position has been offered to Mr Jesse Jones, Administrator of flic Federal Loan Agency.— Washington, August 24.

SOUTH AFRICA'S WOOL

AGREEMENT FOR SALE TO BRITAIN (BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.) RUGBY, August 24. The Ministry of Supply announced that a fresh arrangement was now being made with the Government of the Union of South Africa for the remaining period of the war and one wool - year alter it, under winch the United Kingdom Government will buy the whole of the Union’s exportable surplus of wool at prices in accordance with the schedule which was agreed to under last year's scheme. As in the case of the United Kingdom Government's purchases of wool in Australia and New Zealand, the net profit on the resale of wool tor use outside the United Kingdom, calculated over the whole period of purchase, will be shared equally between the United Kingdom and the Union ol South Africa. BURMA’S GIFTS TO BRITAIN FUND FOR FIGHTER SQUADRON (BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.) RUGBY, August 23. The Burma war donations fund, which includes gifts from all committees in Burma, amounted at the middle of August to £125,000. At the request of the subscribers, the fund will be specially devoted to the provision and upkeep of a squadron of lighter aeroplanes. A squadron will be formed bearing the name "Burma.” Aircraft allotted to it will bear the national emblem of Burma—a peacock in his pride. In addition, "contributions to me British Government for general purposes connected with the war from the rulers and peoples oi the individual Shan States have reached a total of £20,000. In all. contributions from various donors in Burma amount to well over £200,000. CRICKET MATCH AT ALDERSHOT NEW ZEALAND TROOPS BEAT AUSTRALIA (Received August 25, 9 p.m.) LONDON, August 25. Playing through a 45-minute air raid warning, a cricket team of New Zealand troops beat the A.I.F. by 135 runs to 69 at Aldershot. Lieutenant Eric Tindill (23) and Sergeant Wareham (50), who opened, gave New Zealand a good start. Company Sergeant-Major Betts (15) and Private Copeland (14) were the only other New Zehlanders to reach double figures. Australia's most successful bowler was Sergeant Edgar, -’who took five wickets for 45. Private Cox took three tor 25. The opening Australians. Signaller Brume (33) and Private McNamara (12) started promisingly, but Captain T. J. Daley was the next highest scorer, with five runs. Gillespie took three wickets for six runs, Betts three for 27, and Baker two for 12. GIFT OF 1,000,000 DOLLARS (Received August 25, 8 p.m.) * LONDON, August 25. The owner of the "Montreal Dgily Star,” Mr John Wilson McConnell, has made 'a gift of 1,000,660 dollars for aeroplane production. The Minister for Aircraft Production has received £6OOO for the purchase of aircraft from Malta, contributed by the Anglo-Maltese League.