Sweeping Success Claimed by Nazis

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 121, 23 May 1940, Page 7

Sweeping Success Claimed by Nazis

French Ninth Army Said to be Scattered STAFF TAKEN PRISONER United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, May 21. A German. High Command communique issued from Hitler's headquarters states: “The greatest offensive of all time is now having its first operational success after individual tactical success. The Ninth French Army, which aimed to maintain communications on the Meuse from Sedan to Namur, has been defeated and scattered. General Giraud and his staff have been taken prisoner. “German divisions are pouring into the breaches made by the German attack," adds the German communique. “At their head a tank corps and motorised troops have taken Arras, Amiens, and Abbeville. All the French, Belgian and British armies northward of the Somme have been driven back to the Channel coast. Our troops in Belgium are attacking the enemy, who have gathered for a counter-attack eastward of Ghent and southward on the Schelde.

“Enemy attempts to find a way out from Valenciennes have failed."

The communique added: “On the southern flank we have captured Rethel.

“Our aerial attacks against British naval units at Narvik, Norway, have been most successful. A battleship, probably' of the Resolution class, was twice directly hit with bombs. A heavy cruiser also was hit. Fires and explosions were seen on both warships. Two other warships and three merchantmen were seriously damaged by bombs.

“During the night of May 21, between Dover and Calais, German planes sank with bombs six transports and a tanker of a total tonnage of 43,000, and severely damaged four Ships of a tonnage of approximately 13,000.

“During reconnaissance off the French coast, Gormans planes seriously damaged a destroyer, tho naval tanker Niger, the freighter l’Avon (all French), and also two other tankers. “The Allies yesterday lost 47 planes: 15 of ours are missing."

German Bombers Jettison Loads

SOME FALL IN ENGLISH VILLAGE Received Wednesday, JJ.3O p.m. LONDON, May 22. The Air Ministry announced that the enemy jettisoned bombs in two districts in South-east England last nigh. Some fell on land and others in the sea. Some of the jettisoned bombs fell in a village and shattering explosions burst ’n windows and killed poultry.