FURY OF CONFLICT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 May 1940, Page 5

FURY OF CONFLICT

GREAT BATTLE CONTINUES IN BELGIUM AND FRANCE

VIOLENT ATTACKS REPULSED BY ALLIED FORCES Meuse Crossed by Enemy at Several Points AIR SQUADRONS HALT GERMANS AT SEDAN EXTENSIVE BOMBING OF INVADERS’ COMMUNICATIONS Communiques issued by the French Hig’h Command and by the British Air Ministry give news of the fighting in Belgium and on the French border, Daventry reports, The French communique states that at several points there have been violent tank attacks on the British, Belgian and French troops north-west of Namur but they were all repulsed. The Germans crossed the Meuse at several points and fighting continues. Around Sedan, where the enemy made some progress, the Allies have counter-attacked with tanks supported by aircraft. An Air Ministry communique states that the German advance at Sedan has been halted by a terrific attack by more than 150 vlanes, which enabled the French troops to launch a strong counter-attack. Aircraft destroyed several pontoon bridges and other crossings and inflicted heavy losses on German reinforcements. French bombers, escorted by fighting planes, opened the attack and these were followed by still larger British air forces, which attacked heavy tank and troop concentrations, broke them up, and blocked various roads. Extensive bombing was also carried out in other parts of the battle front, with considerable damage to the enemy, while during the night the enemy’s lines of communications to Germany were bombed. Sections of our fighters have attacked much superior enemy formations. Six Hurricanes attacked 54 Messerschmitts and several German bombers. Airmen on reconnaissance saw the wreckage of many German aircraft in the fields around The Hague. The Dutch Army has lost 100,000 men, a quarter of its strength, and its entire bombing force of 50 machines. This statement was made by the Dutch Foreign Minister. The Germans have entered Amsterdam. A mechanised column took over The Hague early yesterday morning. Portion of the Dutch Army which had been ordered to lay down its arms has entered Belgium, where it will be re-formed. There are reports of large German troop movements northeast of Switzerland. The mobilisation of the Swiss Army is complete and all troops are at their positions on the frontier. France and Sweden are following the British example and are setting up special forces to deal with parachute invaders.

A GERMAN HIGH COMMAND STATEMENT ANNOUNCES THAT GERMANY NO LONGER RECOGNISES BRUSSELS AS AN UNDEFENDED TOWN. THIS CAN ONLY MEAN THAT THE GERMANS INTEND TO BOMB BRUSSELS.