WAR DIARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 264, 5 October 1940, Page 7

WAR DIARY.

EVENTS OF THE WEEK. Tho chief feature of the week has probably been the statistical evidence presented of the iguominous defeat suffered by the German air force in their raids on Britain, while considerable interest lias been centred upon the relations ot the Axis Powers and Japan. The principal events have been as follow: September 28.-^—Enemy air activity over Britain more scattered, with less effect. Enemy bases and vital points, including Berlin, subjected to terrific pounding, a wide area being covered. First flotilla of destroyers irom United States reach British port. September 29. —London, South-East England, and the East Dlidlands raided, seven enemy planes being shot down. Little damage in London. Disclosed that “free” French legion have been giving valuabffi assistance in the Western Desert. Frank admission by Japanese Press that the pact between the Axis Powers and. Japan is directed against America. September 30. —Disclosed that during the past two months the R.A.F. had shot down one Nazi machine every 42 minutes —the present rate of German production, in renewed raids on London the enemy lose 49 planes, the R.A.F. losses being 22, with 12 pilots safe. Enemy bases, railways, aerodromes and industrial areas heavily attacked. Damage done at Calais in cross-Channel artillery duel. October 1. —British air losses during September only 319 planes, ol the pilots of which 168 were reported safe, as against Nazi loss of 1102 machines and 2755 men. Berlin receives heaviest raid to date. Odd raiders reach Central London. Announced that Australian airmen have been transferred to British Malaya, including Singapore, to relieve -R.A.F. squadrons. Americans state that any fortification of Dlartinique will.be considered a direct threat to the defences of the Americas. , October 2.—Within a few hours nearly 1000 German planes beaten off in attempting to reach Central London, being, routed ignominiously. Enemy targets receive usual battering. British Government announces temporary halt in scheme to evacuate children overseas owing to dangers of transport in winter. Hint of Germany and Italy encouraging Soviet non-ag-gress.on pact with Japan. October 3. —Bad weather conditions restrict Nazi operations to raids by single planes, but R.A.F. continue heavy attacks on enemy territory. Naval sweep of Eastern and Central Mediterranean, with defeat of Italian air attackers disclosed, also strengthening of Dlalta garrison. British War Cabinet enlarged to eight members following Dir Chamberlain’s resignation and appointments of Sir John Anderson. Sir Kingsley Wood, and Dir Ernest Bovin; other Dlinisterial changes also announced. , October 4. —Hitler and Dlussolini confer at Brenner Pass; talks arouse great speculation. Greatly reduced air activity over Britain. R.A.F. night raids cancelled. Italian bases in Africa heavily bombed.