TROOPS TRANSFERRED “ELSEWHERE”

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 131, 3 May 1940, Page 7

TROOPS TRANSFERRED “ELSEWHERE”

s (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) Received May 3, 9.50 a.m. LONDON, May 2. The War Office to-day stated that the Allied forces which have been carrying out delaying operations south of Trondheim during t e past few days have now, after repulsing many enemy attacks, been withdrawn in the face of ever-increasing enemy strength. They successfully embarked at Andalsnes and other ports in the neighbourhood. This was done despite incessant German efforts to destroy-the ports and communications by air action. v . Operations are continuing in the Narvik area and detachments ha\e been in contact ’Germans. There is nothing further to report from Nam'sos.

ANNOUNCEMENT BY PREMIER In his statement in the House of Commons the Premier (Mr Chamberlain) announced the decision to abandon the idea of taking Trondheim from the south, states a British Official Wireless report. He said: “It became evident some days ago that it would be impossible owing to German local air superiority to land the artillery and tanks necessary if the Allied troops were to withstand the enemy drive. “It was accordingly decided last week to withdraw the troops from south of Trondheim and trarfsfer them elsewhere. Thanks to the powerful forces the Navy are able • to bring to bear, and the determination and skilful dispositions of Major-General B. C. T. Paget, in command of the British land forces in the area, backed by the splendid courage and tenacity of tlie troops, tlie wh-olc l of the forces have been withdrawn from Andalsnes under the very noses of German aeroplanes without losing a single man in the operation.” ADVANTAGE WITH ALLIES. Mr Chamberlain said that although it had not been possible to capture Trondheim he was satisfied the balance of the advantage lay up to the present with the Allied forces. He expressed deep admiration for the manner in which all ranks had performed their tasks in the area south of Trondheim. The casualties had not been heavy in proportion to the scale of the operations. The German losses, however, he believed, amounted to many thousands. ALLIED OBJECTIVES. Earlier Mr Chamberlain had explained the reasons for the attempt to capture Trondheim after assuring the House of the eventual capture of Narvik. The objectives were : (1) To give all tlie support and assistance in their power to the Norwegians. (2) To resist or delay the German advance from the south. (3) To facilitate the rescue and protection of the Norwegian King and Government. It was obvious that These objectives could most speedily be attained if it were possible to capture Tro^ ei SJ q. ’ despite the hazardous nature of the operation, with tbe C mans in possession and in occupation of the only really efficient aerodrome in South-West Norway at Stavanger, they had resolved to make the effort. Two landing-places were selected, respectively north and south of Trondheim. At Namsos, in the north, naval forces landed on April 14 and were followed by British troops from April 16 to April 13A few days later French chasseurs and alpine soldiers landed, and the arrival of these staunch and experienced troops was welcome support to tlie British. Part of this force had advanced rapidly to the neighbourhood of Stenkjaer to support the Norwegians who were known to be holding that place. ■ South of Trondheim a naval party Landed ai Andalsnes on April IT, followed by troops on April 18 and IJ, said Mr Chamberlain. These advanced .to the .important railway junction of Dombas, and a contingent went on south and joined the Norwegians who were opposing at Lilleliammer the main Ge - man advance from the south. NAVAL MOVEMENTS. Mr Chamberlain added: “We were informed on April T that a laro-e German naval force was moving along the west coast of Norway. That evening the main Battle Fleet and the Second Cruiser Squadron sailed in the hope of engaging i enemy.” After outlining the other objectives and operations in Southern Norway, Mr Chamberlain added : ‘Hur troops fough with gallantry and determination, and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy Nevertheless, the enemy occupied aerodromes and prevented the operation of our fighters. Local Get . air superiority precluded the landtag of the necessary art,lie T and tanks to withstand the enemy drive from the south, ihe Germans, disregarding loss of life are always able to send reinforcements at a much greater rate than we. The Dermal losses on land, at sea, and in the air are much greater than ours.”