NAZI ATROCITIES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 129, 1 May 1940, Page 8

NAZI ATROCITIES

RED CROSS BOMBED. BARBAROUS AIR RAIDS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, April 29. Three German bombers leading a convoy of 60 air transports savagely attacked a Red Cross unit bringing Norwegian evacuees from the Osterdal region to Sweden. The eighteen men and four women fled to tne woods. While one bomber swooped down machine-gunning, the second bomber dropped a bomb 30ft from the ambulances. The third riddled the ambulances with bullets. All the ambulances prominently displayed the Red Cros6. German 'planes bombed and ma-chine-gunned Norwegian trading and fishing ships along the coast, setting one on fire and sinking it. They also heavily bombed the hospital ship Brand IV off Aiesund, killing five, including a doctor, and injuring many. The air raids in the Stenkjaer area included widespread, low-flying attacks on villages and field hospitals. Two children were killed in one village where 50 bombs were dropped. The German bombeis are paying particular attention to the Allied troops south from Trondheim, where the Germans claim their troops are within 25 miles of the German forces coming from the south-east. The Germans claim the Nazi forces are threatening to isolate Andalsnes (the port at the western end of Gudbrandsdals Valley) by a converging .movement from four directions, because the British landing party, estimated at 8000, is inadequately equipped. The Nazis have announced that .1300 Norwegians have surrendered in the Stavanger district after fighting for 14 days. Unconfirmed Swedish reports say that the Allies have landed large forces at ports on Nord Fiord, 60 miles south-west from Andalsnes, and Sundal Fiord, 30 miles northeast from Andalsnes.

Those in the latter place have been sent to reinforce and consolidate the defences of the Dombaas-Storen railway, and those at the Nord Fiord have proceeded to Otta in Gudbrandsdals A r allev. Large quantities of antiaircraft equipment and 'planes have also been landed. A British and French communique issued at Namsos states: “The British arc in touch with the enemy north from Stenkjaer. Enemy patrols were repulsed with losses and several prisoners captured. “A British raiding party yesterday ambushed a German detachment, killing several and taking prisoners. There was considerable enemy air activity, but very few casualties. Anti-aircraft guns replied and it is believed one 'plane was shot down. The Allied morale is good!”