WAR DIARY

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 21, 23 February 1940, Page 5

WAR DIARY

FROM DAY TO DAY OVERSEAS INCIDENTS highlights from the gables Following is a summary of day to day incidents overseas, culled from the cable news:— February 21: Norway might appeal lo Ihe League of Nations regarding the Altmarek incident in which the Royal Navy rescued 800 prisoners.

Norway alleges Britain infringed neutrality rights. Lieut .-Commander B. T. Turner, second in command of Ihe HALS. Cossack, led the hoard party which raided llie Altmarek. Royal Air Force Coastal Command spoiled the "hell ship” and advised Ihe authorities of her location. Two more U-boats sunk. Germany said to be building two submarines every three days. New Zealander who was a* prisoner on hoard the Altmarek says the Nazi captain was a fiend and would have scuttled his ship had the Navy seen her at sea. Turkey invokes National defence law as she feels she and the Allies are threatened in the Balkans and Middle East. The second edition of Anzacs are as good as the originals, according to Mr Anthony Eden. Germans shell French defences on Western Front —the French retaliate. Fierce patrol fighting follows. Finns strike hack at the Russians and gain successes. Big reverses for Russians. One division reported to be shattered and others in difficulties. IT.M.S. Achilles returning home. February 22: Turkey co-operating with I lie Allies in preparing strong defences against Nazi-Soviet aggression. Allied units to he standardised. “You are playing a dangerous game,” states Moscow radio in a warning to Britain and France, that Russia could oppose her whole might to them. Shipping losses for Hie week highest since war began —neutrals suffer most. Danes issue protests to Britain and Germany against; interference with shipping, I lie let ter to Germany concerning sinkings without warning. Finnish defenders launch hammer blows on the Russians who are flung back with heavy losses.

Royal Air Force ranks decorated included Squadron Leader Andrew McKee, of Oxford, New Zealand, who received Distinguished Flying Cross. Sixteen Italian ships loading coal in Germany.

Some talk that the King of Sweden will abdicate because he sided against intervention on behalf of Finland Germany broadcasts false reports about British airmen gunning crews of scuttled ships after they have taken 1o their boats.

Dutch five on German 'plane which crossed into Holland. Was it engaged in spying? Enemy ’planes raid vessels off English. coast.