WESTERN FRONT

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20990, 18 December 1939, Page 7

WESTERN FRONT

FIRST BIG ACTION AN ARTILLERY DUEL INCREASE IN ACTIVITY (Unit«d Ppm* Ann,—Clec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Dec. 17 The first big action has occurred on the Rhine front, says the Paris correspondent of the British United Press. There was an artillery duel between the big guns of the Maginot and Siegfried Lines, which hammered each other for several hours. Activity appears to be increasing. This morning s communique stated that artillery and infantry action occurred at various points. The Paris communique last night stated: An enemy detachment equivalent to a company raided one of our posts, east of the Moselle, after artillery and trench mortar preparation. Hand to hand fighting occurred. The enemy was repulsed with heavy losses and left behind arms and materials. It is officially announced in Berlin that the Danish, Dutch, Belgian, Swiss and Luxembourg frontiers will be closed each night at eight o’clock, until seven o’clock the following morning, from December 18 onward. The object is “to counteract smugglers and spies crossing under cover of darkness.”

FIRST CASUALTIES

BRITISH TROOPS IN FRANCE “NO MAN’S LAND” FIGHT NIGHT PATROLS CARRIED OUT .United Press Assn.— dec. Tel. Copyright) Received Dec. 18, 11.25 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 17 The headquarters of the British Expeditionary Force in France state that the British front line troops have suffered their first casualties in actual warfare, several being wounded and some dead as a result of night patrols in “No Man’s Land.” All were brought back.

MR CHAMBERLAIN

INSPECTION OF TROOPS TOUR COVERS 100 MILES MEN IN GOOD SPIRITS (Unitel Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrig-ui) LONDON, Dec. 16 Thousands of troops lined vantage points as Mr Chamberlain continued his inspection of the war positions today, says a Press Association cablegram. It was the coldest day which tfie British forces have experienced since the war began. Mr Chamberlain’s tour covered 100 miles, in the course of winch he inspected a war foundry, pill-box-es, camouflaged gun positions and tank traps. He looked over the British lines from an advanced post and inspected English, Scottish and Irish troops. He also called at a Royal Air Force aerodrome and talked to fighter pilots. Before leaving, Mr Chamberlain asked that the following message be conveyed from him to the members of the Forces: “1 am very glad to see you all and will tell them at home in what good spirits I found you. I wish you all the best of luck and a happy Christmas.” Christmas preparations are being completed for all members of the British forces, including those in the front line and lonely outposts. They will get turkey, Christmas pudding, soup, mince pies, nuts and fruit and beer. The trench woods will provide ready-made Christmas trees and mistletoe.

RESUMPTION OF TOUR AIR RAID ALARM GIVEN (Lulled rre?s Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrimu (Received Dec. 17, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 17 Mr Chamberlain resumed his tour after an air raid alarm shortly after breakfast. No planes were seen.

GERMAN CLAIMS

ACTIONS AT VARIOUS POINTS FRENCH PRISONERS TAKEN (Lulled Press Assn.—Eler Tel. Copyflffcl) (Received Dec. 18, 1 p.m.) PARIS, Dec. 17 A war communique reports artillery and infantry actions it various points of the front. A Berlin war communique states that there is nothing of importance to report on the Western Front The German Air Force carried out reconnaissance flights over North Sea areas. Attempts by British bombeis to attack Norderney and Sylt Islands on the nights of December 16 and )7 failed. A number of bombs fell imo the sea. Describing shock troop activity on the Western Fiont yesterday the German official agency states: One heavily engaged enemy troops in six dug-outs in the Forbach region, inflicting considerable losses. The prisoners taken enabled us to draw certain conclusions. Our losses were small. Two are missing* .