THE CHINA MAIL, JUNE 14, 1940
VIVID
B.E.F.
Page
PICTURE OF
ACTION
IN
Old British "Square" Adapted To New Tactics
Battalion Holds German
Tanks For Hours
LONDON, TO-DAY.
SWIFT MOVING TANKS AND PARACHUTE JUMPERS HAVE BROUGHT BACK THE OLD BRITISH “SQUARE” INTO MODERN WARFARE, WRITES THE OFFICIAL EYE-WITNESS WITH THE BRITISH ARMY IN FRANCE. The troops, he says, must be prepared for attack from the front, rear and
flanks when holding a position.
A certain battalion defending an important city and bridgehead had just used this formation with great success.
+
They held an attack by German tanks and infantry for several hours; at the same time they destroy- ed six tanks, one light field-gun, one aeroplane and eight parachute jumpers with very few losses on the British side.
at
A British officer who took part in the battle told the eye-witness that the battalion occupied positions important crossroads with five anti- tank guns facing the line of the Ger- man advance.
Simultaneously they posted other men all round to cover the flanks and rear.
"We soon discovered it was a wise precaution," the officer declared.
the
"After waiting several hours attack suddenly burst upon us. Down
the road came six German tanks in line ahead, with infantry marching in single fille on each side.
Three Knocked Out “Our anti-tank guns immediately opened fire and our machineguns fired on the infantry.
"The tanke stopped and tried to turn away but three were knocked out very quickly.
"Then machinegun fire was open- ed on us from the rear. A German motorcycle combination with a chinegun had made its way behind.
us.
ma-
Our positions guarding the rear fired on the driver and killed him.
Parachutists Shot
to
"Then an aeroplane appeared, flying low, and dropped parachute troops. "I think they were intended drop In our rear but they landed in front and we opened heavy fire as they touched the ground. most all were killed.
Al-
the
"Our anti-tank guns fired at the aeroplane, hit it-and brought it crash- to the ground. They then knock-
ed out the fieldgun which was shell-
ing us."-Reuter,
N. YORK CO-OPERATES WITH LONDON
New York, To-day. The foreign exchange committee has cabled London asking for a full ex lanation of the Bank of England's proposal to establish an official sterl- thereby
ing market in New co-operate,
expressing willingness
as there is a strong sentiment favour- ing the new system as being very helpful to Britain.
Meanwhile, despite the assertion that the free market will disappear within three weeks, there is a strong feeling in New York, banking circles that the free market would continue indefinitely, as it is pointed out that such a market could be used profitab- ly for travel remittances. Reuter.
THREAT
MUST BE MET IN PARIS
London, To-day. Reviewing the war, "The Times” says that its essentials have not changed by Italy's entry.
The wider the area, the more in- tense does the vital issue become concentrated at the focal points.
Paris is the heart of civilisation and the threat must be met there and overcome there. Nothing is important except for the realisation of this.
war
The Allled blockade of Italy
the passage of prevents materials Germany needs in this battle.
Our forces in the Near East have diverted troops from helping Hitler. British air attacks in Western Ger- many are made so that every bomb will relieve the strain on Allied troops.
For the defence of northern France, it is essential to send at once every available unit that can by any means be equipped-Reuter.
VATICAN NEWSPAPER: CONFLICTING REPORTS
London, To-day.
Rome radio states that the Vatican newspaper "Osservatore Romano" ceased publication on Wednesday, and It is expected it will not resume pub- lication until the war is ended. Reu- ter.
Rome, To-day.
The official Stefani news agency de- nies that the Vatican newspaper has suspended publication and says the paper appeared as usual yesterday. afternoon. Reuter
The Facts
Washington, Tô đây.
A Vatican City message states: the ban imposed by the Italian Government on the "Osservatore Romano" was lifted yesterday afternoon after the newspaper had agreed to omit was news cof every kind. Earlier the authori- ties had stated the paper could not circulate if it continued... to publish British and French as well as Italian communiques.--Reute
GUIANA DEFENCE
CONFERENCE
(SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL") Paramaribo (Dutch Guiana),
To-day.
The Governors of French, British
and Dutch Guiana met here yesterday
and discussed co-operation for the defence of the three colonies.--Havas.
NEW MEANING FOR CHURCH BELL'S TOLL
London, To-day.
The use of church bells for an purpose except giving warning of parachutists or other air-borne, troope has been prohibited.
Church and chapel bella may be rung only by the military or local defence volunteers-Reuter.
TO SPEAK TO THE DICTATORS?
(SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL") New York, To-day. "This ship: commands our respect and will help us command the respect of the world. She speaks a language that even the dictators can understand, and represents another effort of our great nation to provide adequate de- fence," declared Mr. Clyde Hoey, Washington, To-day. Governor of North Carolina, at the The $50,000,000 war relief funds re-launching of the new 35,000-ton quested by President Roosevelt were battleship "North Carolina" at unanimously voted by the Senate yes- Brooklyn Navy Yard yesterday. terday. Havas.
WAR RELIEF FUNDS
(SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL")
Havas.
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