THUNDER OF GUNS

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21654, 14 February 1942, Page 8

THUNDER OF GUNS

STRAITS OF DOVER AIR FORCE OFFENSIVE MIGHTIEST CANNONADE (United Praaa Aaan.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 14. 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Feb 13 Tbe Royal Air Force opened a terrific offensive across the Straits of Dover this after-* noon. Squadrons of Spitfires swept from the coast between Dover and Folkestone, while the mightiest cannonade yet heard thundered from the direction of Cap Gris Ne*, Calais and Dunkirk. Long-range guns suddenly ceased fire and were replaced by anti-air-craft guns. Squadrons of Hurricanes then swept over to join the Spitfires. Gunfire was still heard at dusk. Watchers on the shore gained the impression that a big operation was progressing. Today’s onslaught was the climax of 24 hours in which heavy gunfire has frequently been heard. It began last night, when what might have been a sea engagement was clearly heard a short distance from the south coast. An Air Ministry communique states that during offensive patrols in the Straitis of Dover area today Royal Air Force fighters attacked a small enemy vessel off Ostend. Enemy aircraft were encountered and a float plane was destroyed. Two of our fighters are missing.

CHINA’S STRUGGLE

ANOTHER TOWN RECAPTURED BURMA ROAD SUBSTITUTE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. copyright) (Received Feb. 14, 3.15 p.m.) CHUNGKING, Feb. 13 The Chinese have recaptured Kwoyang, in northern Anhwei, within 24 hours of its occupation by the Japanese who, having lost 500 killed oi wounded, are now in full retreat. The United Press correspondent at Kunming says hundreds of thousands of coolies, women and children are working with their bare hands building a new highway into China in order to maintain the influx of supplies if the Burma Road is cut. Completion of the road is expected very soon. The Government is also busy building and improving other vital roads. The width of the Kunming-Chung-king road has recently been doubled, thus permitting the traffic of huge army trucks and artillery. President Rosevelt has signed an Appropriation Act making 500,000,000 dollars available for'aid to China.

RELIEF OF DISTRESS

LONDON LORD MAYOR’S FUND EXTENSION TO THE EMPIRE (Ofllcial Wireless) (Received Feb. 14, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 13 The Lord Mayor of London’s announcement of the extension of the air raid distress fund to cover anywhere in the Dominions and colonies is warmly welcomed in London. The fund was started to supplement Government schemes for the relief of London victims of German raids and was extended to cover the whole of the United Kingdom. The Times mentions the sums contributed by Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaya, Singapore and Burma in admiration for the toughness with which Britain stood up to the assaults. “There is no longer room for wondering what we can do for our friends in far places,” the paper adds. “We know, moreover, that damage from the air is only part of what these countries, but yesterday so rich, so prolific and so generous, must at this moment be suffering and of the privation and destruction in order to foil the enemy of the fruits of his rapine. The way has been made very plain and easy by a device as simple as it is practical.”

NORMANDIE DISASTER

DEMAND FOR INVESTIGATION ALLEGATION OF NEGLIGENCE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 14, 3.15 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 Demands for a Congressional investigation of the Normandie fire were made today. Members of both the House and the Senate expressed indignation at the alleged inexcusable negligence. Mr Bates, a member of the House Naval Affairs Committee, said .ie would ask for the appointment of a committee to investigate the disaster. He said the country was tired of the flippancy with which responsible authorities were assuming their duties. The people were demanding to know why such negligence prevails. Senator Brewster declared that the fire was “another Pearl Harbour,” because the Normandie had greater value than a battleship at this particular time. He said a similar situation arose last year when he found 1000 Japanese working on the naval dry dock at Pearl Harbour. Other Congressmen spoke in similar strain and pointed out that if the disaster had not occurred the Normandie would have entered service •tfithin a fortnight. A Vichy message says the French Government has issued a statement that legitimate compensation will be demanded for the disaster to the Normandie, as neither the crew, whiefc was dismissed after the requisitioning, nor the French Admiralty was connected with it.

CONVERSION TO ARMS

AMERICAN RADIO PLANTS (United Press Assn. —Elec. TeL Copyright) (Received Feb. 14, 3.15 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 The United States Production Board has ordered radio manufacturers to convert their entire facilities to arms production within four months. If this is not done the Government will take over unconverted plants-