INVASION FLEET

Evening Star, Issue 23690, 25 September 1940, Page 9

INVASION FLEET

HITLER’S PLANS UPSET SCATTERED BY CHANNEL STDRMS AND R.A.F. THOUSANDS OF LIVES LOST Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, September 24. The 4 Daily Mail’s ’ correspondent on the French-Spanish frontier says that Hitler lost between 50,000 and 60,000 picked troops in a disaster which scattered the invasion fleet on September 16. They were the victims of Channel storms and of a merciless R.A.F. bombardment. The German High Command, the correspondent says, had previously decided to make new dispositions because the troops had already suffered heavily from British bombing. The invasion fleet, consisting of thousands of barges, was taken out of port and moored along the lonely Flanders coast. The fleet was ready to cross the Channel on September 14, hut, because of the terrific losses of German planes that day, the orders to sail were delayed. South-west gales swept the Channel, and the tugs desperately tried to tow the barges to safety, but many overturned, drowning thousands. Flatbottomed motor boats and Heavilyladen transport ships drove helplessly before the wind. The Germans are still organising, tha correspondent adds, but it is significant that since the disaster only the crews remain permanently on board the vessels prepared for the invasion. EVACUEE TRAGEDY NAME OF SHIP REVEALED • LONDON, September 24. (Received September 25, at 11.40 a.m.V The children’s evacuee ship torpedoed last week was the City of Benares. EVACUATION TO CONTINUE (British Official Wireless.) . RUGBY, September 24. (Recevied September 25, at 1.40 p.m.)) The sinking of the City of Benares has deterred only a few parents desiring to send their children overseas. There are a few withdrawals, but tha Children’s Overseas Reception Committee continues to receive new applications daily. Cabinet’s Home Affairs Committee is meeting shortly to discuss schemes for the future, but it is most likely that evacuation will continue if parents are willing to send their children, despite the risks. The final decision rests with Cabinet. NEW DECORATIONS FURTHER DETAILS ANNOUNCED LONDON, September 24. ((Received September 25, at 8 a.m.) In connection with the award of tha George Cross, there will be a small military division of the George = Cross to enable special awards to be made to members of the services. The George Medal will be granted more freely. . It will rank with the medals for gallantry and distinguished conduct, and the standard will he relatively high.