Thursday, July 14, 2011

Current Events July 7, 1943;

THIS WAS REPORTED TODAY, JULY 7, 1943:
The navy, revealing loss of the 9,700-ton light cruiser Helena
during the smashing defeat of Japanese warships in Kula
gulf, announced today that the far-ranging. U. S. fleet also had
struck a blow in the North Pacific by bombarding the enemy's
base at Kiska.

Fresh masses of German tanks, infantry, and planes flung themselves
vainly at Russian lines on the southern front today as
the Soviet army regained some lost ground and cut up Nazi
armor that spent itself seizing two villages in the Belgorod area.




The Wisconsin State Journal
                       MADISON, WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 1943

Japs Routed at Kula;
Kiska Blasted Again
U.S. Navy Bags
6 Enemy Ships,
Damages More
Americans Lose
Cruiser Helena
in South Pacific
WASHINGTON—(U.P)
The navy, revealing loss of the 9,700-ton light cruiser Helena
during the smashing defeat of Japanese warships in Kula
gulf, announced today that the far-ranging. U. S. fleet also had
struck a blow in the North Pacific by bombarding the enemy's
base at Kiska.
Identifying as the Helena the U. S. cruiser previously reported
lost in the Kula gulf engagement, the navy confirmed Gen. Douglas
MacArthur's announcement that six Japanese warships were probably
sunk. The navy also said that several Japanese ships were
damaged, although MacArthur announcement gave the damaged
figure as four ship.
                                 Get No Return Fire

Nazis' Attack Fails
as Russ Lines Hold
Axis Loses
7,277 Tanks,
13,OOO Men
MOSCOW — (U.P.) —
Fresh masses of German tanks, infantry, and planes flung themselves
vainly at Russian lines on the southern front today as
the Soviet army regained some lost ground and cut up Nazi
armor that spent itself seizing two villages in the Belgorod area.
Panzer units that made initial slight advances in the Orel and
Kursk areas were torn apart methodically by Soviet artillery
and infantrymen who let them pass unmolested and then smashed the
Nazi attempts to follow up then gains.
The Nazi armored legions –that gained slightly near Belgorod
were stopped cold and the army newspaper, Red Star, said, a fierce
_______________________________________________________________________
Russ Yield, Nazis Say LONDON — (U.P.)
The German news agency, DNB, said today that the Germans
had broken through the main Russian line in the Kursk sector
of the eastern front,
Russian counter-attack had set hem back.
German; losses for the three-day ttempt to breach the line between
Orel and 'Belgorod mounted to 1,271 tanks, 314 planes, and 13,000
men: - Russian military observers said the Germans used the same
tactics that cost them bloody losses—and defeat—last year.

Current Events July 6, 1943

THIS WAS REPORTED TODAY, JULY 6, 1943:
The red army reported today-that it had stopped cold the first onslaught of
powerful German, offensive along a 165-mile front which in 36 hours cost
the Nazis" 10,000 men killed," 738 tanks, and 203 planes.

Allied aircraft of, all types teamed up Monday to smash nine
Axis invasion base targets in Sicily and Sardinia and to shoot
down 45 more enemy fighters in one of the biggest aerial onslaughts
in the Mediterranean theatre.

American warships have inflicted
heavy damage on the Japanese naval force which they
engaged in the narrow confines of Kula gulf in the central Solomons,
the navy announced today.
The navy 'also reported the loss of the U. S. destroyer Strong
in a previous action.


                                     San Mateo Times
                    SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA, TUESDAY, JULY 6, 1943

U.S. WINS NAVAL BATTLE
Nazis Hit Stone Wall in Russia

Forts Blast 9 Bases On
Invasion Path to Italy
HITLER STOPPED COLD
IN NEW OFFENSIVE ON
EAST FRONT, SAY REDS
.MOSCOW, July 5, (U:P)—The red army reported today-that
it had stopped cold the first onslaught of powerful German,
offensive along a 165-mile front which in 36 hours cost the Nazis"
10,000 men killed," 738 tanks, and 203 planes.
Late reports from the blazing battlefield said that, after ab-
sorbing the initial impact, the Russians braced along a curving
line between Orel and Belgwd, regained -all lost ground wiped
out armored wedges driven Into their position.

ALLIES DOWN 45 AXIS
PLANES IN ITALY RAIDS
ALLIED HEADQUARTERS, North Africa, July 6.—(U.P.)—
Allied aircraft of, all types teamed up Monday to smash nine
Axis invasion base targets in Sicily and Sardinia and to shoot
down 45 more enemy fighters in one of the biggest aerial onslaughts
in the Mediterranean theatre.
Striking a series of devastating blows at Axis air power, U. S. Fly-
ing Fortresses fighting against three to one odds bombed the Gerbini
airdrome in Sicily into ruins, while more than 60 Liberator bombers
from the Middle East dumped almost 375,000 pounds of explosives
on the Sicilian terminal of Messina, causing vast damage.

JAPS SUFFER DAMAGE
IN KULA GULF FIGHT;
U. S. DESTROYER LOST
Washington July 6—(U.P.)—American warships have inflicted
heavy damage on the Japanese naval force which they
engaged in the narrow confines of Kula gulf in the central Solomons,
the navy announced today.
The navy 'also reported the loss of the U. S. destroyer Strong
in a previous action.
Our forces suffered some damage in -the Kula gulf engagement
which began early Tuesday morning (Solomons time), but
"considerable damage" was done to the enemy warships.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Current Events July 5, 1943;

THIS WAS REPORTED TODAY, JULY 5, 1943:
Eighth Air Force heavy bombers struck a three-pronged blow at
U-boat bases and industrial areas in France yesterday on the anniversary
of the first American air attack on Europe a year ago.
Striking across the channel a few hours after the RAF had pounded
Cologne again at a cost of 32 bombers, the Americans hammered at factories
in Le Mans, 110 miles southwest of Paris, and in Nantes on the French coast,
and blasted U-boat pens at La Pallice on the Bay of Biscay.


At picnics and at religious services, in English homes and at Army installations,
American soldiers in the ETO yesterday joined United States citizens throughout
the world in observing the 167th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration
of Independence.

American Marines paved the way for the successful landing
operations jn New Georgia, it was disclosed today.
The "Leathernecks" landed several days ago and played a grim game of
"hide-and-seek" with Japanese outposts until the main invasion forces could be
landed some time later.
                                             Natives Warring With Japs
As the ships came inshore light began to twinkle here and there along the dark
beaches. The American forces had found allies—the natives of New Georgia who.
after several months of Japanese rule, had decided that the only good Japs were
dead Japs.

     THE STARS AND STRIPES
Daily Newspaper of U.S. Armed Forces in the European Theater of Operations
            New York, N.Y.—London, England Monday, July 5, 1943

U.S. Bombers Hit Nazi Targets
In France on Anniversary Raid;
RAF Smashes Again at Cologne
British Strike Twice
In Week at Reich's
Third City
Eighth Air Force heavy bombers struck a three-pronged blow at
U-boat bases and industrial areas in France yesterday on the anniversary
of the first American air attack on Europe a year ago.
Striking across the channel a few hours after the RAF had pounded
Cologne again at a cost of 32 bombers, the Americans hammered at factories
in Le Mans, 110 miles southwest of Paris, and in Nantes on the French coast,
and blasted U-boat pens at La Pallice on the Bay of Biscay.
Eight bombers are missing.
All three formations reported excellent visibility and good bombing results.
Fighter opposition was weak at Le Mans and La Pallice, but the formation which
hit Nantes was attacked by enemy fighters after leaving the target and
fought a running battle 50 miles out to sea.
                                           Spitfires Get Two FW190s

Allies Celebrate
Fourth of July
ETO Program Stresses
U.S. Friendship With
United Nations
At picnics and at religious services, in English homes and at Army installations,
American soldiers in the ETO yesterday joined United States citizens throughout
the world in observing the 167th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration
of Independence.
The fourth Independence Day since World War II began was celebrated in
Britain without the traditional fireworks and elaborate programs of peace-lime in
the States. Typical of the American a t t i t u d e was a message to the troops by
Lt. Gen. Jacob L. Devers, ETO commander, who said
"In commemorating this day no American is looking backward. The 13
states which declared their independence in 1776 have grown into a nation of 48
states, the flag of which is now side by side with the Union Jack and the flags
of other nations in a struggle for the freedom of the world.''

Natives Aided Marines Paving Way
By Walter Tyree
United Press War Correspondent
ADVANCED BASE, South Pacific,
July 2 (delayed)—
American Marines paved the way for the successful landing
operations jn New Georgia, it was disclosed today.
The "Leathernecks" landed several days ago and played a grim game of
"hide-and-seek" with Japanese outposts until the main invasion forces could be
landed some time later.
In the middle of the night this advance unit, which had one of the most dangerous
tasks of the whole war in penetrating a Japanese-held island in the face of
unknown strength, swept across the strait which separates Guadalcanal from New
Georgia, and nosed inwards to a sandy lagoon almost entirely surrounded by a
coral reef.
The Japanese apparently had sensed this impudent invasion for their planes
were up over the stretch of water between the two islands, searching everywhere
for the ships somewhere on the dark waters beneath. They never found them.
Natives Warring With Japs
As the ships came inshore light began to twinkle here and there along the dark
beaches. The American forces had found allies—the natives of New Georgia who.
after several months of Japanese rule, had decided that the only good Japs were
dead Japs.
"When we got ashore and made contact with them," reports one of the two correspondents who accompanied this landing force, "we found that the natives
had already .been having a little private war with the Japanese without waiting
for us to arrive.

Current Events July 4, 1943;

THIS WAS REPORTED TODAY, JULY 4, 1943:
American naval forces in the central Solomons engaged a Japanese
task force of seven warships attempting to bombard U. S. positions
on Rendova and drove the enemy ships off in "short order."
the navy announced Saturday.

A great convoy recently crossed the Atlantic
under a shore to shore air cover of land based and carrier planes
and one submarine was destroyed, another probably sunk and others
"may have been damaged," the admiralty and air ministry announced.
A reinforced surface escort also helped shepherd the ships through
the latest victory in the battle of the Atlantic.

The rapidly-expanding fleet will result in the addition of 500,000 in navy
personnel in the first half of 1944, the War Manpower Commission
(WMC) has revealed.
WMC officials said there probably would be no appreciable in-
crease in the army's size during the first six months of next year.
    SUNDAY JOURNAL TIMES BULLETIN
                           RACINE, WIS., SUNDAY, JULY 4, 1943.

Parade Highlights Racine Celebration
Jap Warships Driven Off in Solomons Duel

Record Number
Participates in
Annual Event
6 in 10 Families Have Bought
Bonds and Stamps, Survey Finds
Racine's 1943 Goodwill Fourth of July celebration, seventh annual event
of its kind to be held in the city, will lack none of the color of its predecessors
despite wartime restrictions that have confronted the committee at every turn.

Enemy Foiled
In Attempt to
Shell Rendova
WASHINGTON —(UP)—
American naval forces in the central Solomons engaged a Japanese
task force of seven warships attempting to bombard U. S. positions
on Rendova and drove the enemy ships off in "short order."
the navy announced Saturday.
The engagement, fought in the darkness of night, was the first
action reported between opposing naval surface forces since the
Allies began their twin drive on the central Solomons and Japanese-
held areas of New Guinea. Three light cruisers and four
destroyers were in the enemy force. They apparently were trying
to prevent consolidation of American positions on Rendova
for the anticipated assault on the Munda airfield, five miles across
the channel.
                                                          Retired in Haste.

Planes Guard
Big Convoy
LONDON.—(AP)
A great convoy recently crossed the Atlantic
under a shore to shore air cover of land based and carrier planes
and one submarine was destroyed, another probably sunk and others
"may have been damaged," the admiralty and air ministry announced.
A reinforced surface escort also helped shepherd the ships through
the latest victory in the battle of the Atlantic, a lengthy communique said.
Attacked by Sub.
Submarine made a series of attacks over a period of two days,
but the convoy was undeterred. In the first stage of the journey,
Hudson, Ventura, Liberator and Catalina planes of the royal Canadian
air force of the eastern command protected the ships. Liberators,
Sunderlands and Halifaxes of the RAF coastal command
took over on the approaches to Britain.

Navy to Be Increased
By 500,000 Men in'44
WASHINGTON.—(AP)—
The rapidly-expanding fleet will result in the addition of 500,000 in navy
personnel in the first half of 1944, the War Manpower Commission
(WMC) has revealed.
WMC officials said there probably would be no appreciable in-
crease in the army's size during the first six months of next year.
The total strength of the armed forces now is 9,300,000 Government
sources have indicated this figure will increase to 10,800,000
by the end of 1943 and the boost in navy personnel will bring the
total to 11,300,000 by July. 1944.

Current Events July 3, 1943;

THIS WAS REPORTED TODAY, JULY 3, 1943:

American dive-bombers hammered today at what was believed to be the headquarters
of Japanese forces on New Georgia Island, four miles from the
big air field at Munda, as ground forces continued mopping-up operations
on nearby Rendova Island and other scattered points of resistance.

Here are identification numbers of several Army and Air Force units and
their commanders which already have been disclosed in previous Stars and
Stripes news stories as based in .the South and Southwest Pacific. Undoubtedly
these organizations are included in the U.S. forces now taking
part in ;he Solomons and New Guinea offensive.
25th Division—Maj. Gen. Joseph Collins, Guadalcanal.
32nd Division—Commander not given, New Guinea.
Sixth Army—Lt. Gen. Walter Krueger, Australia.
5th Air Force—Maj. Gen. Ennis C. Whitehead, Australia.
13th Air Force. Maj. Gen. NathanF. Twining, Guadalcanal, South
Pacific.

RAF heavy bombers have destroyed two locks of the important Rhine-Heren
barge canal and paralysed Germany's principal artery for transporting
Ruhr coal to Amsterdam, dispatches from Stockholm said yesterday.

Reports reaching Cairo yesterday said German troops have shot several Greeks
on Crete and arrested hundreds of others as a result of street fighting following
recent USAAF raids on airfields near Salonika.

     THE STARS AND STRIPES
Daily Newspaper of U.S. Armed Forces in the European Theater of Operations
     New York, N.Y.—London, England Saturday, July 3, 1943

Jap New Georgia Headquarters Struck

U.S. Calls Advances
Merely Preparatory
To Major Offensive
Foe's Munda Airport
Menaced by Planes,
Artillery, Troops
WASHINGTON, July 2
American dive-bombers hammered today at what was believed to be the headquarters
of Japanese forces on New Georgia Island, four miles from the
big air field at Munda, as ground forces continued mopping-up operations
on nearby Rendova Island and other scattered points of resistance.
Authoritative sources here, meanwhile, emphasized that the sudden
American sweep northward through the Solomons was not a major offensive in
itself, but rather a prelude to such an offensive.
Rejecting the much-criticized and necessarily slow "island-to-island"
policy, the United States forces have attempted to gain bases—particularly airfields—
from which a real offensive can be launched, it was said.
                                          Air Score: 123 to 25
These Outfits May Be
In New Pacific Drive
Here are identification numbers of several Army and Air Force units and
their commanders which already have been disclosed in previous Stars and
Stripes news stories as based in .the South and Southwest Pacific. Undoubtedly
these organizations are included in the U.S. forces now taking
part in ;he Solomons and New Guinea offensive.
25th Division—Maj. Gen. Joseph Collins, Guadalcanal.
32nd Division—Commander not given, New Guinea.
Sixth Army—Lt. Gen. Walter Krueger, Australia.
5th Air Force—Maj. Gen. Ennis C. Whitehead, Australia.
13th Air Force. Maj. Gen. NathanF. Twining, Guadalcanal, South
Pacific.

Reports reaching Cairo yesterday said German troops have shot several Greeks
on Crete and arrested hundreds of others as a result of street fighting following
recent USAAF raids on airfields near Salonika.

Allied Air Attacks Crippling
Nazis9 War Transport System
RAF heavy bombers have destroyed two locks of the important Rhine-Heren
barge canal and paralysed Germany's principal artery for transporting
Ruhr coal to Amsterdam, dispatches from Stockholm said yesterday.
This information, disclosed a day after news of the smashing of Germany's
key U-boat base at Wilhelmshaven, emphasized the hammering being given
to all forms of German transportation, a strategy pointed up by new RAF
attacks yesterday on railway targets in northern France, Belgium and Holland.
The part American airmen are playing in this campaign against Hitler's supply
lines within his "fortress" was evident in an Eighth Air Force communique announcing
that P47 Thunderbolts shot down four FW190s in sweeps over north
France and the Low Countries late Thursday, probably destroyed another and
damaged five more.

Germans Shoot
Greek Leaders
Of Crete Riots
Disorders Follow USAAF
Raids Near Salonika;
Cagliari Bombed o
Reports reaching Cairo yesterday said German troops have shot several Greeks
on Crete and arrested hundreds of others as a result of street fighting following
recent USAAF raids on airfields near Salonika.

Current Events July 2,1943

THIS WAS REPORTED TODAY, JULY 2, 1943:
Allied naval supremacy in the southwest Pacific appeared
unchallenged today as U. S. warships steamed deep into the
northern Solomons, shelling a series of Japanese strongholds,
while victorious American troops completed the conquest of
Rendova island after wiping out the enemy garrison.

Moscow r e p o r t e d today t h a t big b a t t l e s were shaping u p in Russia
a n d Berlin said Germany would not be surprised to see a soviet
"offensive in t h e east coordinated w i t h an Anglo-American attack
i n the w e st.

Allen Hawley, a naval aviation machinist's mate, wrote a letter
describing minutely his unit's a c t i o n over seas—but the censor
didn't mind.

Chinese newspaper reports d e c l a r e d today t h a t J a p a n was r u s h -
ing troops to Manchuria, and said “it's plain as day” that the enemy
"is p r e p a r i n g t o a t t a c k Siberia.

THE RACINE JOURNAL-TIMES
RACINE, WIS., FRIDAY AFTERNOON, JULY 2, 1943

Planes, Ships Hit Jap Strongholds

Rendova Conquered;
Fleet Moves North
(By The Associated Press)
Allied naval supremacy in the southwest Pacific appeared
unchallenged today as U. S. warships steamed deep into the
northern Solomons, shelling a series of Japanese strongholds,
while victorious American troops completed the conquest of
Rendova island after wiping out the enemy garrison.
U. S. shore batteries on" Rendova .were heavily bombarding
the Japanese air base at Munda, New Georgia island,
seven miles away.
American dive bombers also smashed at J a p a n e s e positions
in t h e Munda area, the navy said, s e t t i ng fires, and pounded enemy
encampments at Vila on Kolombangara island.
Bag 123 Planes.

Yanks Sing
And Swarm
On Jap Isle
By GEORGE E. JONES
(United Press Staff Correspondent)


Germany Expects Red Attack.
Combined With Allied Invasion
(By The Baited Press
Moscow r e p o r t e d today t h a t big b a t t l e s were shaping u p in Russia
a n d Berlin said Germany would not be surprised to see a soviet
"offensive in t h e east coordinated w i t h an Anglo-American attack
i n the w e st.
The soviet a n d Nazi pronounceme n t s capped a h e a p of European
"invasion" omens and predictions, the, most definite of which
was an axis propaganda claim t h a t t h e Allies had picked Saturday
for a n attack.
Air Assault Eases.

Attention, Berlin-
Here's Your Data
On the Invasion
RICHMOND, Ind.—(UP) — Dale
Allen Hawley, a naval aviation machinist's mate, wrote a letter
describing minutely his unit's a c t i o n over seas—but the censor
didn't mind.
His parents received a letter which said: “ I'll describe our place a n d how
we got here. After leaving where we were before we left for here,
not knowing w e w e r e coming h e re from t h e r e , w e couldn't tell w h e t h e
r w e h a d a r r i v e d h e r e o r n of "Nevertheless, we now a r e here
a n d not there. T h e weather here i s j u s t a s i t always is a t t h i s season.
T h e people h e r e a r e j u s t l i k e t h e y look."
" I had b e t t e r close now, before I give too much valuable military information." '
The censor added: "Amen."

Siberia to Be Target
Of Japs, Chinese Think
(By the Associated Press
Chinese newspaper reports d e c l a r e d today t h a t J a p a n was r u s h -
ing troops to Manchuria, and said “it's plain as day” that the enemy
"is p r e p a r i n g t o a t t a c k Siberia.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Current Events July 1, 1943;

THIS WAS REPORTED TODAY, JULY 1, 1943:
There will be heavy fighting in the Mediterranean "and elsewhere" before
autumn, Winston Churchill predicted here yesterday.

Winston Churchill gave the world yesterday at least part of the answer
to its most-asked question: "When and where will the invasion be?"
Before the autumn leaves fall, he said, there will be heavy fighting in the
Mediterranean area "and elsewhere."

RAF and USAAF bombers and fighters rounded out yesterday what
was easily the biggest month of the Allied air offensive on Europe by
striking heavy blows at the railways and shipping Adolf Hitler must have
for defense against an invasion.

U.S. forces landed this morning on Rendova Island, only five miles south of the biggest
Japanese air base in the southwest Pacific, at Munda. on New Georgia
island.

     THE STARS AND STRIPES
Daily Newspaper of U.S. Armed Forces In the European Theater of Operations
                New York, N.Y.—London, England Thursday, July 1, 1943
Churchill Promises
Invasion by Autumn
There will be heavy fighting in the Mediterranean "and elsewhere" before
autumn, Winston Churchill predicted here yesterday.
Speaking at a ceremony in the London Guildhall, the Prime Minister cited facts
on recent strengthening of Allied power in the war at sea, June has been the best
month the Allies have known during the 46 months of World War 11, he said, with
more than 40 U-boats destroyed durng May. and scarcely a single merehantmsm ship
sunk in the North Atlantic since the middle of May.

'Invasion Eve' Brings
Riots Strikes to Axis;
40 Subs Sunk in May
Prime Minister Praises USAAF-RAF Air
Offensive and Pledges It Will Follow
Wherever Nazis Shift Industry
Winston Churchill gave the world yesterday at least part of the answer
to its most-asked question: "When and where will the invasion be?"
Before the autumn leaves fall, he said, there will be heavy fighting in the
Mediterranean area "and elsewhere."
Europe was tense on what Rome called "invasion eve." The Axis was
beset with new troubles—disorders in Greece, strikes in Italy—as well as
with the mighty task of preparing for a blow which they did not know
where to expect. The Germans were reported to be clearing the Belgian
coast of civilians, and Danish circles in London heard the Nazis had sown
mines along the Jutland coast to guard against invasion.

Allies Close
Best Month
Of Air War
U.S. Bombers Hit LeMans
As RAF Strikes at
French Railroads
RAF and USAAF bombers and fighters rounded out yesterday what
was easily the biggest month of the Allied air offensive on Europe by
striking heavy blows at the railways and shipping Adolf Hitler must have
for defense against an invasion.
A few hours after Eighth Air Force heavy bombers struck at the railway
and industrial center of Le Mans, Fiance, on Tuesday evening for their
fourth raid in five days, Royal Canadian fighter squadrons in American-built
Mustangs ranged through France shooting up 20 locomotives and other
communications targets.
With one night still to go, the month had been marked by seven Eighth Air
Force raids, including the first penetration of the rich Ruhr valley by U.S. Fortresses,
and 11 night assaults by the RAF, all but two of them concentrated attacks
against the Ruhr and Rhineland.
Three-fold Increase

U.S. Takes Isle
Near Jap Base;
Troops Occupy Rendova,
Within Artillery Range
Of Munda 'Drome
WASHINGTON. June 30 (UP)—
U.S. forces landed this morning on Rendova Island, only five miles south of the biggest
Japanese air base in the southwest Pacific, at Munda. on New Georgia
island. The occupation involved a move by American forces in the Japanese-held
area of the Solomons of about 180 miles. Munda. on which the Japanese have
worked steadily since they occupied New Georgia Island, has been expanded in the
face of constant bombing by American planes. It is easily the most-bombed airfield
in the southwest Pacific.

Knox Advises Planning
For 3 to 4 More Years
CCRONACO, "Cal. June 30 (AP)—
Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox, speaking at a meeting of high army, navy
and marine officials, said today that the time was approaching when the United
Nations could put into effect plans for victory.
However, he continued, "for our own success it is better to calculate that the
war will last from three to four years more and take steps to that effect.