BIG BATTLE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 April 1940, Page 6

BIG BATTLE

AT MOUTH OF OSLO FIORD REPORTED EV SWEDES CONCENTRATION OF BRITISH FORCES. NAVAL AND AIR UNITS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Dav. 10.30 a.in.) STOCKHOLM, April 12. There are unmistakable signs that a big naval and air battle is now in progress at the mouth of Oslo Fiord. Observers at Stromstad (to the south-east), report heavy explosions, atter wnich a large ship sank in flames. The Swedish newspaper "Allehanda" reports a big concentration of British forces at Folsen Fiord, near Namsos, to the north of Trondheim. Two battleships. four cruisers and four destroyers entered the fiord at 5.30 p.m. yesterday, followed by a large force of air units. Two destroyers entered Namsos harbour.

FIGHTING ON LAND ENTRY OF BRITISH TROOPS REPORTED. GERMAN RETREAT FROM HAMAR. (Received This Day, 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, April 12. Swedish sources report that fierce fighting is progressing at Kongsvinger, nortn-east ot Oslo, near the Swedish frontier, where the Norwegians are aided by strong modern fortifications. The Kongsvinger-Oslo railway has been blown up. Fighting also continues at Hamar. Six German planes heavily bombed Frederikstad, on Oslo Fiord and set on fire main buildings and also several ships in the harbour. The town is now practically evacuated. Reports reaching Uudervalla. Sweden. from the outer Oslo Fiord state that the British were observed at several points along the coast, apparently landing troops. A Swedish chauffeur from Hamar reports that the railway station is on fire. , . Two hundred were killed and the Germans were forced to retreat 30 miles south of Hamar. Ten thousand Germans are reported to have disembarked at Oslo yesterday from five transports, escorted by destroyers. Norwegian coastal patrols have picked up a total of 3000 Germans. Large forces of Norwegians are ready for a decisive battle at Eidsvold, south of Hamar. This confirms the German retreat from Hamar, mentioned earlier. The Germans have ordered all British and French subjects in and around Oslo to present themselves for registration under the threat of punishment. The Norwegian police arrested the Minister of Welfare, M Lunde. They overpowered him, pistol in hand, trying to escape across the Swedish border. Lunde is an associate of Major Quisling, leader of the Norwegian Nazis.

ADMIRALTY REPORT NO MAJOR ENGAGEMENT IN KATTEGAT HARDY CREW CONDUCTING EXPEDITION. (Received This Day, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, April 12. An. Admiralty spokesman said officials'do not believe that there has been any major engagement in the Kattegat. Explosions heard from the shore are probably those of depth charges. Members of the crew from his Majecty's destroyer Hardy (which was run ashore at Narvik) are believed to have started a military expedition on their own near Narvik. After the Hardy ran aground, it is authoritatively learned. 40 or 50 of the crew, fully armed, were seen to enter boats and make for the shore. There has been no further news of their fate or whereabouts. GERMAN REPORT ALLEGED ATTACKS ON SHIPS. (Received This Day 10.30 a.m.) BERLIN, April 12. A day communique reports a quiet day at Bergen and Stavanger, “except for one unsuccessful British air attack against Stavanger." The report stated: “German units operating round Oslo enlarged their occupied area on all sides. Our naval units continued operations and, as reported, sank two British destroyers at Narvik. Our planes scoured the Norwegian coast, along which a great number of antiaircraft batteries have been established. Pianos operating in the northern part of the North Sea located and attacked enemy warships, 140 miles north-west of Trondheim. The planes severely damaged an aircraft-carrier by bombs and twice hit a heavy cruiser, which was put out of action. No events of importance are happening on the Western Front.”