Monday, February 28, 2011

Current Events February 28, 1943; AMERICAN BOMBERS POUND GERMAN BASES / SOVIETS ADVANCE / GROUND FIGHTING CONTINUES IN NEW GUINEA:


     The Charleston Gazette
Charleston ^West Virginia, Sunday Morning. February 28, 1943.

U. S. 5th Army Gaining in Tunisia;
Allies Hit Brest, Dunkerque, Cologne;
Nazi Reserves Thrown Into Donets
----------------------------------------
American Bombers Pound Port Of Brest
        The Port Arthur News
                    PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS, SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 28, 1943.
SOVIETS ADVANCE IN VIOLENT FIGHTING
Rommel's Forces Make Slight Gain In Tunis Area
FOLLOW UP
RAID HITS
DUNKERQUE
Sustained Air Assault
Made By Allies On
1 German Bases
1ONDON, Feb. 27 (AP( — The
Paris and Calais radio stations
suddenly went off the air tonight,
indicating the RAF was
carrying the offensive through
another night. '
By Edward D. Ball
LONDON, Feb. 27 (AP).
American Fortress and Liberator bombers bashed the German
naval base at Brest on the French coast today while
RAF Venturas attacked Dunkerque in continuation of. the greatest sus-
tained air assault of the war on enemy installations from the North
sea to the Bay of Biscay. All the big U. S. bombers returned safely.
'Squadron After Squadron'
... The daylight operations followed Closely a "very heavy" attack by
RAF bombers last night on the battered German industrial city of Cologne.

AXIS ROUT
IN SOUTH
CONTINUES
British Eighth Army,
Believed Ready For
Powerful Drive
A L L I E D HEADQUARTERS,
North Africa, Feb. 27
(UP).—German tanks
reported to have made slight
headway. in new t h r u s t s
against the British lines before
Tunis tonight but Anglo:American
forces still were rolling back the
chastened enemy in the Kasserine
area.
Blasted Out Of Northwest

Stiffened German
Resistance
To Halt Russians
Red Air Force Goes Into Action In Support Of
Offensive On Zaporozhe; Thawing Weather
Slows Drives; Nazi Ship Sunk
LONDON, Sunday, Feb. 28 (/P)—Red army troops-battling
forward west of Kharkov captured a number of large
populated places in violent fighting yesterday, while Russian
airplanes roared ahead to destroy 18 German bombers on
the airdrome at Zaporozhe on the Dnieper river bend, the
Soviets announced early today.
Russian ground forces last were reported .only 50 miles
northeast of Zaporozhe.
Germans Stiffen

Jap Troops
Continue Retreat
In New Guinea
A L L I E D HEADQUARTERS
IN AUSTRALIA, Sunday,
Feb. 28 (AP)—In renewed ground fighting on the approaches
to Salamua, New Guinea, the Japanese have retreated
further in the vicinity of Wau and Mubo, leaving a .number, of
dead, the Allied-high command announced today.
First Definite Word"
Last-month, the Japs were crush ed in an attempt .to destroy
Allied airdrome at Wau, which:\is 35 miles southwest of Salamua,
northeast New Guinea coastal' city Recently there has been no definite
reports- of ground activity but Al lied planes in the area have engaged I
in hours of bombing and strafing.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Current Events February 27, 1943; ROMMEL' PANZERS IN FULL RETREAT / RUSSIANS SLOWED AT DONETZ PASS / u. s. TROOPS TAKE KASSERINE PASS / SUCCESSES AT RABAUL / LIVERPOOL OPENS CLUB FOR U. S. MERCHANT SEAMEN:


THE STARS and STRIPES
             London, England Saturday, Feb. 27, 1943

Panzers in Full Retreat Beyond Pass
AlliedTanks,
Planes Blast
Fleeing Foe
8th Army Pilots Also ffit
Columns Withdrawing
Toward Gafsa
ALLIED HQ, North Africa, Feb. 26 (AP)—Pursued by Allied ground
and air forces, Rommel's panzers appeared in full retreat in southern
Tunisia today. American and British infantry and Etrmored formations
snatched the initiative by recapturing the vital Kasserine Pass.
Tommies and doughboys drove up the mountains on each side of the
pass yesterday afternoon, driving the Germans into the foothills beyond and allowing
the British and American tanks through the gap on the heels of Rommel's
withdrawing forces.
By day and night American and British bombers and fighters poured destruction
on panzer columns moving southward towards Gafsa.
Bisleys raided Gafsa and Sbeitla, giving the Germans no rest. Pilots reported
large fixes in both places. The Middle East air forces were working in
close cooperation all the time, giving a hand in chasing Rommel.
Engineers Remove Mines

Stiff Resistance
Slows Russians
In Donetz Basin
Weather Hinders Drives
As Well, But More
Villages Are Taken
MOSCOW, Feb. 26 (UP)—With heavy air and land reinforcements, the Germans
have forced slower Russian progress on
the fronts' west of Kharkov and near Orel, and are making a determined bid
to send their tanks and motorized forces behind the Red Army's lines in the
Donetz Basin.
Here furious battles are raging, particularly
between Kramatorskaya and Krasnparmeisk, where the Germans are
attacking in great force to try and restore the strategic communications of the area.
In spite of this greatly increased resistance, however, the Russians are continuing
to push on even though progress is slower.
The weather is no longer on the side of the Russians. The Donetz fighting
areas are a morass, roads are quagmires, without any snow.
Yanks Took Pass Without a Shot
After 155s Finished Their Job
By Philip Ault
United Press War Correspondent
WITH UNITED STATES FORCES,
Kasserine Pass, Feb. 25 (delayed)—
United States troops occupied the Kasserine Pass this morning without firing a
shot, after shelling it all night. The German artillery withdrew during the night,
leaving heavy minefields to delay the
pursuit.
The Germans are also believed to have left the town of Kasserine and withdrawn
their main forces'.from the Gafsa area. American 155-mm. guns—called into
action on this front for the first time—fired into the pass for hours during the
night. Then, at 6.30 AM, the infantry attacked over the right shoulder of the
pass, but met with no opposition. Next a tank destroyer unit and some medium
tanks crept up the shell-torn road into the pass.

Libs Bomb Italian Ports,
Hit Naples and Crotone
CAIRO, Feb. 26 (AP)—Liberator bombers of the Ninth U.S. Air Force
bombed the harbors of Naples and Crotone in Italy last night, a U.S. communique
said today. " In Naples direct hits were observed
on the docks and in the harbor area generally," it said. " In Crotone bomb
hits were seen in the area of the quay and railroad lines leading to it. Enemy aircraft
were present over Naples, but offered no resistance. All our aircraft
returned safejy to their bases."

FDR Thank
MacArthur For
Pacific Successes
Another Raid on Rabaul
Goes On as President
Lauds Air Attacks
By the United Press
President Roosevelt has sent a message of congratulation and thanks to Gen.
Douglas MacArthur, Allied commander in the southwest Pacific, on the successes
achieved by forces under his command in the southwest Pacific area during the
past few weeks.
The President's message read in part: " The bombardments launched by
your air forces during the past few weeks and especially during the last few days,
in support of the situation in the Solomons and to the furtherance of your
own operations, command our admiration.

Liverpool Club Opened
For US Seamen
Ceremonies Monday Open
Third American Hostel
In British Isles
LIVERPOOL, Feb. 26—American merchant
seamen will be welcomed Monday at opening of their new club here under
auspices of the U.S. War Shipping Administration.
It will 'be " the place where an American sailor can get a cup of real coffee "—as
well as hot meals, clean beds and other comforts.
Seamen present at Monday's ceremony will include survivors of torpedoings who were hospitalized in Liverpool. The club, third in Britain, is in the
former American Red Cross building at 97 Islington. Glasgow and Gourock
already have merchant marine clubs, and a fourth will be opened soon in Cardiff.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Current Events February 26, 1943, AMERICAN AND BRITISH FORCES OCCUPY KASSERINE PASS / YANKS SMASH GERMAN PORT IN DAYLIGHT RAID / U. S. SEEKS COMMON AIMS WITH UNITED NATIONS / RABAUL BLASTED BY FLING FORTRESSES / GANDHI IN GOOD SPIRITS:


                THE RACINE JOURNAL- TIMES
           RACINE, WIS , FRIDAY AFTERNOON, FEBRUARY 26, 1943
Rommel Races to Coast; Allies Nip Flank
.
Axis May Abandon
Other Tunisia Points
(See Stories and Map on- Page t.)
ALLIED HEADQUARTERS, NORTH AFRICA.—CUB—American
and British forces, striking, toward the flank of a German army retreating
from the Kasserine pass, have gained between 10 and 15
miles in the Sbiba area, and i t appeared today that part of Marshal
Erwin Rommel's troops were racing for Sfax on the east Tunisian
coast. The gain in the Sbiba section was made by-Allied patrols which
apparently were trying to get^ astride the road-to-Sfax in a bid
to cut off axis forces before Rommel could extricate them from
their predicament.
                                          Gap Is Held Firmly.

American Infantry Occupied
Kasserine Pass Without a Shot
Guns Poured Heavy
Barrage Into Gap,
Forced Nazis Out
By PHIL AULT
(United Press Staff Correspondent)
WITH AMERICAN FORCES IN
KASSERINE PASS, Feb. 25.—(Delayed)—
American infantry drove into Kasserine pass this rooming
and occupied it without firing a shot.
There had been a heavy barrage last night, with American 155 mm
guns pouring a hail of shells into the pass. But the Germans withdrew
their artillery during the night, and left heavy mine-fields
to delay the Americans.
American infantry attacked over the right shoulder of the pass at
6:30 a. m. and found no opposition. Then a tank destroyer unit
and medium tanks crept cautiously into the pass across a shell torn
road, and British forces which had advanced without opposition
from Thala moved along the left shoulder at noon through minefields.
                          Had to Take Out Mines.



Yanks Smash
German Port
By Daylight
LONDON.—(AP)—United States
bombers raided the German port of Wilhelmshaven by. daylight
today. Seven of the craft were reported missing.
This was the third attack by American bombers on German soil
and the second on Wilhelmshaven. A joint .air ministry and U. S.
army communique said: "Flying Fortresses and Liberators
today made their second daylight attack on Wilhelmshaven,
Germany.
"This was the third attack by American bombers on German soil.
"Bombs were seen to hit Wilhelmshaven docks.
                             Follows night Attack.

U.S. Intends
to Ask Allies
For War Aims
Will Start Talks Now
With United Nations
To Uncover Basis
TORONTO —(AP ?)The United
States has decided to press for common aims now, without waiting
for the end of the war. And "intends at once" to open preliminary
talks with its Allies in preparation for such conferences.
Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles made this announcement
here today in a speech for delivery at the University of Toronto,
which conferred on him the honorary degree of doctor of laws:
Welles, who a fortnight ago warned that "unmitigated havoc"
might result from failure of the United Nations to agree on basic
problems before the war ends, reiterated the urgent necessity of
"searching for solutions" through frank exchange of views.
                                      Wants No Delay.

Fortresses Blast
Port, Airdrome at
Jap Rabaul Base
GEN. MacARTHUR'S HEADQUARTERS,
Australia—(U.P.)—Flying Fortresses blasted, the harbor
and airdrome at Rabaul, vital Japanese base on-New Britain island,
early Thursday, hitting an 8,000- ton vessel—possibly" a seaplane
tender"—with four bombs, a headquarters communique said today.
When last seen, the damaged vessel was settling by the stern. and
attempting to run ashore. The Fortresses also hit three smaller
cargo ships, and raided the northwestern part of Rabaul for two
hours. Only slight antiaircraft fire greeted the attackers. and no
enemy attempts at. Fighter-interception were reported.

Gandhi Cheerful
And Confident on
17th Day of Fast
POONA.— (U.P.) —Mohandas K. Gandhi was calm and cheerful on
the 17th day of his three-week fast today and friends said his rally
from a crisis last Sunday had convinced them that "God intends for
him to live." "Gandhi's condition shows no appreciable change," a bulletin
signed by his six doctors said, "He is cheerful."
Gandhi was said to have mildly rebuked those who still are con-
cerned over his condition, taxing them with lack of faith.
"He worries more about his faith in God than his health," an
associate said. "He always has considered himself an instrument
of God.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Current Events February 25, 1943; COUNTER-ATTACKS FORCE ROMMEL RETREAT / U. S. TANKS USED TO RETAKE SOVIET VILLAGES :


                      Times News
                  TWIN FALLS, IDAHO, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1943
Counter-Attacks
Opened as Enemy
Troops Retreat
By DANIEL DE LUCE
ALLIED HEADQUARTERS IN NORTH AFRICA, -Feb.
25 (AP)—Gen. Sir Harold Alexander, British commander of
allied ground forces, today swung his American, French and
British troops into a fierce counter-offensive in central Tunisia
where they were shaking loose the last grip of Marshal
Erwin Rommel's crippled colmns on strategic Kasserine
ass and menacing two other strong points at Sbeitla and
Ousseltia to the northeast.
Combining a three-pronged alack in the north with armored car
advances by the British eighth army into the outpost area of the
Mareth line in the south, Alexander had the enemy in trouble on
two fronts.
As British and American troops swarmed into the Kasserine pass
near the Algerian border for moping up operations, the strong .
Amerlcan and royal air forces spread their assault deep Into the
enemy's rear, blasting airdromes, roads, railways, and strafing troops,
vechicles and gunposts.
Italians Captured
As Rommel retreated he again was leaving Italian infantry behind
as a rearguard, as he did in Egypt, and hundreds of crack Italian infantry
and mountain troops were takcn prisoner.

Soviets Use U.S.,
British Tanks to
Speed Offensive
MOSCOW, Feb. 25 (U.P)—Russian troops led by American,
British, and big Klim-Voroshilov tanks captured several villages
south of Orel today and to the southwest a strong German
defense line athwart the outer approaches to Poltava fell
apart under Soviet blows.
Field dispatches said the American-made tanks were giving
a good account of themselves alongside the 52-ton Klim-
Voroshilovs in setting the pace for the close-in on Orel,
German base at the junction of the central and southern
fronts.
A Stockholm dispatch credited to Berlin said Soviet forces using
American-made tanks exclusively had attacked German positions west
of Moscow along the Smolensk highway.
Maintaining the initiative, the red army reported local gains south of
Orel, west of Kharkov in,,the push against Poltava, southwest of Voroshilovgrad
in the Donets basin, and west of Krasnodar toward the sea of Azov.
Spring Thaws
The first thaws of approaching
spring impeded the campaign in the Ukraine, but official dispatches
said the Russians smashed bitter resistance, beat off counter-attacks
Aerial combat was mounting all along the southern front. With better
weather the Germans were reinforcing their air units arid throwing
strong fleets into the effort to check the Soviet offensive.
Simultaneously with the high command's announcement of new
gains along the southern front, the Soviet information bureau in a special
communique denied as an "unscrupulous fabrication" German
claims that the red army has lost 18,200,000

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Current Events February 24, 1943; BOTH SIDES BRING IN REINFORCEMENTS IN TUNISIA / RED ARMY DRIVING GERMANS FROM RUSSIA / JAPANESE WARSHIP HIT AT RABAUL / GANDHI CONTINUES FAST / D. C. CAPITAL PROTECTED BY DECOYS:

         The Charleston Gazette
            Charleston, West Virginia, Wednesday Morning, February 24,1943
Nazi Tunisia Drive
Reds Gain West of Kharkov
Rommel Repulsed
In One Sector
Both Sides Now Bringing
Up Reinforcements
ALLIED HEADQUARTERS IN
NORTH AFRICA, Feb. 23.—AP—
Hurled back in one sector and stalled in another, the German
armored units of Marshal Erwin Rommel relaxed their pressure
along the Tunisian front today, giving the .stubborn Allied defense
forces their first rest of the bitter three-day struggle to
keep Nazi spearheads from cracking their lines.
"The fighting has died down," said a terse dispatch from the
front, and both sides apparently prepared to make the most .of the
lull by regrouping and bringing up supplies and reinforcements,
In the hills north of the Kasserine gap, Rommel's most dangerous
thrust had been halted by British md American tanks and infantry
our miles from Thala, the gateway to the strategic Kremansa
plateau near the Tunisian-Algeran frontier.
Yanks, British Hold On

30 to 50-Mile
Advances Made
3 Enemy Strong Points
In Ukraine Taken
LONDON, Feb. 23.—(AP)—The triumphant Red army, spurred
by Premier Stalin's praise and exhortation to drive the Germans
from Russia, marked its 25th anniversary today by accelerating
its smash westward through the Ukraine, recapturing
three important Nazi strong points along the route leading
from Kharkov to Kiev.
Answering Stalin's order to Rive The invaders no respite, the "army
of avengers." as he termed them, drove into Sumy. 100 miles northwest
of Kharkov: Akhtyrka, 42 miles to the south, and Lebedin.
about half way between them and 20 miles farther west.
Lebedin lies only 175 miles east of Kiev, and the recapture of the
three towns, announced in a special communique broadcast by Moscow
and recorded here by the Soviet monitor, marked advances of from
30 to 50 miles in the Red army's continuing offensive, freeing hun-
dreds of square miles more of the rich, productive Ukraine.
Rail Town Taken

Jap Warship
Hit at Rabaul
Heavy Bombers Assault
Ships, Shore Bases
ALLIED HEADQUARTERS IN
AUSTRALIA. Wednesday. Feb. 24 ,
(AP)—A Japanese cruiser or destroyer has been bombed and dam-
aged at Rabaul. New Britain, the Allied high command announced
today.


Scheme to End
Fast Rejected
Viceroy Rejects Gandhi
Friends' Compromise
NEW DELHI, Feb. 23.—(AP)—An attempt to end the 21-day fast of
Mohandas K. Gandhi, now in its 14th day, by a compromise between
the Indian nationalist leader and Viceroy Lord Linlithgow ended in
failure today.
The latest scheme designed to end the hunger strike was instituted
by a combination of English men and Indians. Horace Alexander, member o
the British parliament, who had been serving in India recently as a
representative of the Quaker Relief Agency, first conferred with
the fasting Hindu leader at Poona. After the conference, he advised
Chakrayarthi Rajagopalachari, a member of a recent conference of
Indian leaders seeking Gandhi's unconditional release, that under certain
conditions Gandhi might end his fast.

Wooden Guns, Rag Soldiers
Guard Chagrined Congress
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23.—(AP)—Grim, gray, anti-aircraft "guns,"
which have peeked skywards for months from congressional office
building roofs to provide "protection" for the nation's lawmakers
are made of wood and manned by "decoy soldiers," it was
disclosed today. "
His curiosity piqued over just what protection was being furnished
congress, Rep. Cooley (D.-N.C.) climbed, unchallenged in civilian
clothes, to the rooftop of its new office building and discovered the
secret.
He told the house about it today during discussion of a billion dollar
naval shore construction bill. Expressing the hope that none of the
'money would be spent for the construction of "painted ships upon a
painted ocean—or for wooden guns," he cried:
"We are being protected by wooden guns and decoy soldiers. In
high heavens' name, why have they been placed over our heads? I
am something of a duck hunter, and when I place out decoys, I expect
to attract ducks. And when I place out decoy soldiers and decoy guns,
I would expect to attract enemy planes!'
"Was Gruesome Sight"
"Gentlemen, it was a gruesome sight," he complained, as the house
roared a mixture of amusement and amazement. Later; he told newsmen
that the guns were "as wooden as Charlie McCarthy."

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Current Events February 23, 1943; ALLIED LINES THREATENED, BUT AMERICAN & BRITISH DEFENSE UNITS STOP ROMMEL / JAPANESE AND CHINESE BATTLE AT BURMA ROAD / BRITISH BOMB BREMEN / GANDHI PASSES CRISIS


                                               Nevada State Journal
                         RENO. NEVADA, TUESDAY MORNING. FEBRUARY 23, 1943

Nazi Tanks
Four Miles
From Thala
NORTH TUNIS
ALLIED LINE
THREATENED
Advance 16 Miles
From Kasserine
Pass
by EDWARD W. BEATTIE
United Press Staff Correspondent
ALLIED HEADQUARTERS,
NORTH AFRICA, Feb. 22. (UP) —
Heavy German' tank forces drove tonight to within four miles of
British-defended Thala, anchor of the Allies' vital North Tunisia
communication!) system, but milltary quarters said "the situation
is under control.
Heavy fighting. continued over the approaches to Thala. military
spokesmen said, but the tempo of the German attack appeared considerably
slackened, possibly because the enemy troops were near-
ing exhaustion after two days of ceaseless action.
10-Mile Gain

FIERCE BATTLE
ON BURMA ROAD
Chinese Intercept
Japs' Drive
CHUNGKING, Feb. 22. (UP)—
Chinese troops in western Yunnan Province have Intercepted Japanese
forces driving northward along the west bank of the Sal-
ween River from the area of Lichalpatu, and fighting now rages
on the entire sector north of the Burma Road bridge at Hulling, It
was announced tonight.
A communique said the Japanese launched their new . drive after
falling to effect a crossing of the Salween near Lichaipatu.
The communique reported a setback In northern Klangsl
Province, where reinforced Jap troops pushing south from Fengh
sin captured three villages.
The Japanese also are continuing to send mobile columns against
Chinese positions north of the Yangtze River In central Hupeh
Province and have rushed reinforcements to Laihlhwang In
northern Hunan Province."

GANDHI PASSES
A NEW CRISIS
But Tension Mounts
Throughout India
POONA, India. Feb. 22. UP—
Tension Increased tonight as Mohandas K. Gandhi, 73-year-old Nationalist
leader, survived a crisis In the 13th day of his three-week fast,
and William Phillips, American special envoy, again conferred with
Indian leaders at New Delhi. Relatives and followers of the
mahatma gathered In the drowsy heat of his sleepy town, anxiously
studying reports on their leader's condition and awaiting further
news from New Delhi, London or Washington, hoping that the word
might come of Gandhi's release.
A bulletin Issued by the government and signed by six of Gandhi's
physicians disclosed today he had survived a crisis. Reporting his
condition up until this afternoon, It said.
"After a restless day on the 21st of February, Mr. Gandhi entered
a crisis at 4 p. m. He was seized with nausea and almost fainted.
His pulse became nearly imperceptible."
Later he was able to take water with sweet lime juice. He rallied
from the crisis and slept for about five and a half hours during
the night. Today Is his day of silence. He appears comfortable and is more
cheerful His heart is weaker

Blast Bremen
Britain's Big Bombers
Batter Base
LONDON. Feb. 22. (UP)_Britain's biggest bombers struck heavily
at Bremen for the 102nd time last night battering Germany's
second port with more than 100 two-ton block-busters and returning
without loss for the first time in an operation of such magnitude
over the Reich, It was disclosed today.
It was the first night raid on Bremen since last Sept 13 and apparently
caught the German defenders by surprise. Intermittent
anti-aircraft fire was encountered, the Ah- Ministry reported.
The Air Ministry, disclosed




San Mateo Times
SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1943

AMERICAN HOLDING ROMMEL
Nazi Base Above Kharkov Falls
Yanks Turn on
Foe, Deliver |
Heavy Losses
Germans Exhausted After
Long Advance; Both
Sides Reform
ALLIED HEADQUARTERS,
North Africa, Feb. 23.—(U.B—
American artillery and British
armored units have established
a well organized defense which
temporarily has stopped Marshal
Erwin Rommel's drive in
Central Tunisia, and the situation
was reported "much better"
late today.
Fighting in the bitterly contest-,
ed Thala sector had died down, with
the Germans still 'four tough miles
short of their objectives and both
sides pausing1 for reorganization
and n breather.
Rommel Held
Official reports said Rommel's
spearheads through Kasserine pass
had been held at all points. As
allied resistance stiffened north and
northwest of Kasserine, the Americans
and British inflicted heavy
casualties on the Nazis and took
prisoners.

Whether the allies were strongenough
to drive Rommel's armor
back into the pass was not yet apparent
from the front reports.
The fighting has been heavy in
that section, an allied headquarters
communique said today, but it appeared
that the drive of the German
mechanized units, which yesterday
carried to within four milen;
of Thala, had been checked, at
least momentarily.
Nazi Losses Heavy