ARMS AND MEN FOR INDIA

Southland Times, Issue 24764, 8 June 1942, Page 5

ARMS AND MEN FOR INDIA

BIG CONVOY ARRIVES SAFELY (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON, June 5. A military spokesman at New Delhi announced that the largest convoy with reinforcements ever to reach India, and probably the largest ever to leave the United Kingdom, had now docked and unloaded at West Indian ports. The cargo included light and heavy anti-aircraft guns, British and American light tanks, and large numbers of both fighting and technical personnel. The fighting units included infantry, artillery, mechanized and shock-troops, thousands of airmen, including bomber and fighter pilots, and also doctors, nurses and scientists. The convoy was so big that it could not be unloaded at any one port. The troops included some Indians trained in Britain and also troops with battle experience in France and Libya. In addition there were crews for Hurricanes and Kittyhawks now operating in India. RANGOON RAIDED A United States War Department communique states that Major-General Lewis Brereton reports that United States heavy bombers, under the command of Captain Frank Sharp, attacked enemy shipping and docks at Rangoon harbour at daylight on Thursday. The damage could not be ascertained because of poor visibility. Twelve Japanese fighters attacked the American formation. Two enemy planes were shot down and another is believed to have been destroyed. One American plane failed to return.