FATEFUL BATTLE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 June 1940, Page 5

FATEFUL BATTLE

POSITION WELL REALISED IN BRITAIN ALL AVAILABLE FORCES GOING TO FRANCE. THREAT OF BOMBING RAIDS DISREGARDED. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.2 a.m.) RUGBY, June 10. The great battle now proceeding in France is being followed with close and sympathetic attention by the British public. Everyone realises that the land of Britain itself may appropriately be described as a “back area” of the fighting front. Not only is it a “Battle of Paris,” but a ’’Battle of London” as well, and it is realised that the fate not only of Britain and France- but that of the whole world depends on the result of this heroic struggle waged by the French armies against Hitler’s barbarous hordes.

Despite the imminent danger of a German invasion of Britain, the British Government and the British nation unanimously are of opinion that all available forces should be directed without delay to the scene of battle. Important contingents of new troops have already disembarked in France to reinforce the British forces which are fighting at the side of their Allies. The R.A.F. in France has. been increased in strength and the Fleet is shelling German troops on the coast. During the last few days, hundreds of German aeroplanes have dropped bombs on Britain in the hope of immobilising British fighters. This measure has completely failed. The. thought in British minds is to sustain the battle front and the British people, are proud to enefure attacks which would otherwise be directed against the Allied armies. Every enemy aeroplane crossing the British coast and every bomb falling on Britain diminishes by so much the German effort at the front.