BIG GUNS IN ACTION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21530, 18 December 1939, Page 5

BIG GUNS IN ACTION

Artillery Duel On West Front United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Rec. Dec. 17, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 16. The Paris correspondent of the United Press of Great Britain says that the first big action has occurred on the Rhine front. An artillery duel was fought by the big guns of the Maginot and Siegfried Lines, which hammered each other for several hours. The French official evening communique states: “At 6.15 the enemy launched a raid on one of our posts to the east of Moselle. The raid was carried out by a detachment the equivalent of a company after preparation by artillery and trench mortars and under the protection of a box barrage laid down by artillery and heavy machine-gun fire. The post attacked energetically defended itself with heavy loss and left in our hands arms and material. The enemy succeeded in making two prisoners, who managed to escape, profiting by the effect of the defensive fire, and rejoined our line.” PRIME MINISTER AT FRONT United Press Association—Bv Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 17, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 16. Thousands of troops lined vantage points as Mr Chamberlain continued his inspection of war positions on the coldest day the British troops have experienced during the war. Mr Chamberlain’s tour covered 100 miles. He inspected a war foundry, pillboxes, camouflaged gun positions and tank traps, looked over the British lines from the front advanced post, inspected English, Scottish and Irish troops and called at an R A F. aerodrome, where he talked to fighter pilots. Christmas preparations are being completed. All British forces, including front line troops and lonely outpost forces, will get eight ounces of turkey and six ounces of Christmas pudding, as well as soup, sprouts, mince pies, nuts, fruit and beer. The French woods provide ready-made Christmas trees and mistletoe. Many members of the Royal Air Force arc providing Christmas trees for children in the villages in which they are billeted. Before leaving Mr Chamberlain asked that the following message might be conveyed from him to the members of the Forces:: “I am very glad to see you all and will tell them at home in what good spirits I found you. I wish you all the best of luck and a happy Christmas.”