BATTLE RAGES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20275, 17 June 1940, Page 11

BATTLE RAGES

WESTERN FRONT REDUCED VIOLENCE $;• REPULSE OF ENEMY i • - AIR FORCES ACTIVE WIDESPREAD BOMBINGS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—Unitea Press Assn.) ; (Britisli Official Wireless.) Reed. 3 p.m. RUGBY, June 14. -uAn official French communique states: “From the sea to the Argonne the? battle continues along the whole front, but less violently at several points. Withdrawals of our troops, especially from Paris, which began >'■ this' morning, were executed according; to plan. Our troops carried out several counter-attacks. Rigorous German attacks this rooming against positions west of the Saar were repulsed with heavy losses tb 'the enemy.” Troop concentrations and important Tines of communication in the immediate rear of the enemy’s advance along the Seine and the Marne were repeatedly attacked throughout Thursday night and in the early hours of this morning by strong forces of heavy Royal Air Force bombers. In the forest of St. Michael incendiary and high explosive bombs exploded ammunition dumps and caused widespread fires. Sustained attacks lasting for several houts w ere made on 14 strategic points. The Seine bridges at Les Aiidelysj Vernon and Pont de Larche were all subjected to a heavy bombardment. Large \tracts of woodland at St. Gobaln and Nouvain were set on fire. Thege forests afforded cover for enemy ammunition dumps and convoy depots. Flying east to west over Boulogne docks, opp bomber laid a line of heavy bombs right across the target' area. FMe minutes previously another aircraft had registered 12 hits in the same 'district. : '6hthe road leading to Gournay, four he&'Vy bojnbs were, dropped on a Ger- •' man conyoy. The bombing of roads inland jurorind this town continued fbf an hour and a half and at Gisors ■ pver an hour and a quarter. Eiiemy-qccupied aerodromes, anti-air-craft batteries,, gnd searchlight posts also were effectively attacked. y.;jg -.