GERMANS IN NORWAY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 April 1940, Page 6

GERMANS IN NORWAY

NOW WITHIN THREE MILES OF SWEDISH BORDER ACCORDING TO STOCKHOLM REPORTS. TROOPS RUSHED BY TRAIN FROM TRONDHEIM. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day. 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, April 16. According to unconfirmed reports received in Stockholm, the Germans have severed Southern Norway from the north by captur-’ ing the heights of Skurdalsvolden opposite Storlien, thus reaching points three miles from the Swedish frontier, directly east from T rondheim. The Germans are reported to have lushed troops by train from Trondheim through an area still under Norwegian control. Meanwhile. Ihe Norwegians are stubbornlj’ holding the fortifications of Ilegre and are also maintaining their resistance at various points in Southern Norway. The Germans vainly reattacked Elverum, the defenders of which arc strongly placed on the Glommen River. Heavy snowfalls are impeding the German motorised units. Suicide patrols of Norwegian skiers are harassing German detachments. The invaders are believed to have evacuated Halden because the forces are needed elsewhere. The whole of Lower Ost fold is plastered with proclamations exhorting the inhabitants to obey tiie Germans or suffer dire penalties. RETREAT FROM NARVIK MOST OF THE GERMANS SURROUNDED. STATION OCCUPIED ON IRON ORE LINE. (Received This Day. 12.50 p.m.) LONDON. April 16. German troops, retreating from Narvik, are reported to have occupied the Bjoerfell Station, on the “iron ore" railway. The Norwegian High Command, broadcasting from Bodo, slated that British marines are holding Narvik. The Norwegians are surrounding most of the retreating Germans and have also captured Germans dropped by parachute in several districts. Two German planes were shot down. STILL LYING GERMANS DENY LOSS AT NARVIK, ATTEMPT TO CONCEAL NAVAL LOSSES. (Received This Day, 12.40 p.m.) BERLIN. April 16. Officials persist that Germany is holding Narvik and also claim that German troops have reached the Swedish frontier from Narvik, after defeating the Norwegians. They admit that British forces possibly have landed at Harstad. The Wilhelmstrasse suggests that the German naval losses at Narvik have not been revealed for strategic reasons. A spokesman naively added: "Theoretically we don't need the ships any more, but we will soon show the world that we have still got a navy.” RUSH OF RECRUITS FOR SERVICE IN NORWAY. SPECIAL DEPOT OPENED IN LONDON. (Received This Dav, 1.10 a.m.) LONDON, April 16. So many applications are being received in London for enlistment in the Norwegian forces that a special depot is being opened. THE SCHARNHORST REPORTED IN REFUGE AT BERGEN. DAMAGED BY THE RENOWN & STRUCK BY BOMB. (Received This Day, 1.10 p.m.) STOCKHOLM, April 16. The “Svenska Dagebladet” says the German battle-cruiser Scharnhorst is reported to be taking refuge at Bergen. She was damaged by H.M.S. Renown, and also by a bomb.