REASON FOR CONFIDENCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 163, 10 June 1940, Page 8

REASON FOR CONFIDENCE

NAZI FORCES’ FAILURE

DEVELOPMENT OF ~ BATTLE

I - ; * ; (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.— Copyright.) ’ LONDON, June T. V The Germans to-day made a strong thrust in the Abbeville sector against the British and French defenders, but there is no vital offensive in any one sector of the whole n front. ' i The French Bremier|(M. Iteynaud) told the Senate Army Commission to-day: “We have reason for confidence in the development of the operations now under way.

SPLENDID DEFENCE. The authorities in London declare that the French are putting up a “most splendid defence of the lront line.” . , , The Germans have tripled the number of their troops since Wednesday, but all the attacks have been held, the Germans have not made any gaps or appreciable size. The French spokesman stated that the Germans have thrown in all their reserves, but the destruction of the tanks has continued throughout the dav. “We estimate that 2500 German tanks have been destroyed since the invasion of Belgium and that 60 per cent, of the “dive-bombers have been lost,” he added. „ . The highlight of the day’s fighting was again the unpleasant surprises reserved for Hitler’s tank squads advancing into a wilderness of , traps, shells, and high-explqsive bombs with which General Weygand’s “defence in depth.” system welcomes them. The Allies’ ’planes ceaselessly bombed the tanks and motorised units from above, while the land forces let them through, then closing in their rear hold off the following infantry. The Germans claim to have bombed aerodromes in' Southern and Eastern France,- Le Havre and Cherbourg, causing explosions, and large fires on the moles and quays, rendering them useless for overseas traffic, but the German ’plaiies are few at the front. " French Air Force pilots are, using new American ’planes, which they declare are excellent, and also new fighters whose quick-firing cannon pierces the tanks’ armour. Meantime the French are hastening their defences against parachutists and troop-caiTying ’planes. The roads to Paris are barricaded and defence works against land troops have also been prepared. ’file Colonial Minister (M. Rollin) in a broadcast, said: “The first stupefaction which the enemy thrusts and surprises caused has now passed. France is ready and waiting. , Our victory is certain.” MASSES OF NAZIS. The night French communique states: “Between the sea and Chem-ins-des-dames the battle has continued throughout the day with the same violence, our troops resisting bravely against an enemy who, not counting his own losses, threw forward new masses. Along the front our advance units, after fulfilling their mission against the enemy tanks and infantry, broke away under orders. “Toward the Upper Bresle German armoured units infiltrated our lines, but without being'able to destroy our support points. The adversary unleashed violent bombardments along the Aisne and tried to cross the river east of Soissons., We wiped out the elements which reached the left bank. “Our aviation has. continued its incessant action, harassing the enemy. In 24 hours over 100 tons of bombs were dropped on armoured machines, convoys, and communications; 21 enemy ’planes were brought down.” A French Air Ministry communique details French airmen’s work, including the destruction of supply columns and roads and railways, paralysing the enemy columns in various places, and destroying reserves of oil. ... , BRAVERY REWARDED. , (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, June 7. It is announced that France has awarded the Croix de Guerre to FlightLieuteilant Jeff in recognition of this officer’s services in connection with the war. He has already been decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross. This high French honour has also been bestowed on Sergeant George Haddon. The B.E.F. evacuation decorations include Captain' Tennant, who as senior naval officer at Dunkirk receives the C.B. Amongst the 25 D.S.C.’s there are three for Naval Reserve skippers and three for merchant captains who were temporarily employed as masters of troop transports. It is understood a further, list will be issued as soon as the report of the whole operation is completed. The list includes a K.C.B. tor Vice-Admiral B. H. Ramsay, Flag Officer Commanding the Dover Command and also three Companions of the Bath, five 0.8.E.’5, one D.S.O. with bar, ten D.S.O.’s, two D.S.C. 9 with bars, 13 D.S.C.’s and eleven D.S.M.’s. Vice-Admiral Bertram Home Ramsay, C B M.V.0.. was born in 1883 and entered the Royal Navy in 1898. He commantled Monitor 25 and H.M.S. Broke in the Dover Patrol in 1915-19. Amony other appointments he was Chief-of-Staff on the China Station 1929-31 and Rear-Admiral and Chief of Staff of the Home Fleet in 1935. ———=3