Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 26 October 1942 — Page 5

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bh : British: Artillery Lays Down Heaviest Barrage of

} North African Fighting: Sappers Clear Mine Fields as Tanks Advance.

By RICHARD

D. McMILLAN

United Press Staff Correspondent

ON THE EGYPTIAN DESERT FRONT, Oct. 26.— rumbled along, their guns spitting death over a wide

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Anti-aircraft tracers stabbed into the night. moonlight, troops with fixed bayonets moved forward like ghosts into the fight beyond what had been Gen. Erwin

Rommel’s front line, until last Friday night.

‘That was how it was when the allied forces got going

in their desert offensive.

Barrages of gunfire poured at the tanks, but they lum-

bered on. One tank officer who rode through the battle zone told me that “we had a grand, exciting fight.” "w “We were caught in a minefield

. and became engaged in a duel with panzer forces,” he said. “Our liberty to maneuver was restricted because of mines but.our sappers got to work and lifted the mines, working under a criss-cross ‘of shell fire.”

Rommel Planes Attack

Rommel’s air forces came out at night to make their first show from the skies. They added pyrotechnics to the sky over the battlefield, and scattered flares over gun emplacements in their efforts to sik lence the artillery. The pyrotechnic show includes multi-colored star shells and tracers which spurted in spirals. So far this struggle has been without a name. It is taking place over a dull stretch of snuff colored sand, criss-crossed with ruts worn deep by heavy tanks, cannon and motor transports. The battle opened as the eerie sound of bagpipes playing “Highland Laddie” sounded in the crisp, bright moonlight night.

British Open Barrage

Suddenly, they were drowned in the reverberation of the biggest blast the desert ever heard as the British opened a barrage with hundreds of guns. The British eighth army attacked and penetrated the German positions at many points. By dawn, some units were as far as two miles within the German mine fields. Tanks burst through the German outer positions. I accompanied units of the 51st Highland division, which was getting its desert baptism in its first action since it was reformed after Pe battle of France.

Many Gaps Forced

- As we headed from the starting line, the clamor became deafening. ‘Hundreds of tanks roared from their concealment in dry stream beds where they had been dug in. The attack was held at some boints, but it forced many gaps in the minefields and fierce tank and artillery fighting began. This inferno was the offensive which Lieut. Gen. B. L. Montgomery, commander of the eighth army, had anneunced so calmly at his headquarters a few hours before. He © said: “During the nocalight tonight,

terrific battles will be fought. When day breaks tomorrow, we shall see a hot stand, but there can be no doubt of the issue.” : He told correspondents how the allied forces had been built up during the past months, and added: “Now it looks as if, with the Americans on our side, ‘we should be able to do something about it along the lines of Smuts’ speech, in which he said we had passed from the defensive to the offensive. “So the battle begins tonight. The eighth army and our airpower are one—we have one combined plan. Therein lies our strength. Our men are first class. They want success. Tommy never let you down.” Gen. Montgomery’s eighth army seemed to pack a knockout punch from the word go. In two years of western desert campaigns. I've never seen the British go to battle with

‘such drive, co-ordination of effort,

and meticulous timing. Barrage Lasts Six Hours

At one moment, all was silent. Then, as if a button had been pressed, the entire horizon behind us blazed with tongues.of flame and the noise was terrific. The massed fire of tight packed batteries of field guns continued six hours. That is a record for desért fighting. Twenty minutes after the first big bang, troops with fixed bayonets crossed the starting line and filed through the corridors of our mine fields. They mopped up the forward enemy posts then waded into the enémy’s mine fields.

' Dust Shrouds Battle

By now, the battlefield was shrouded in dust and fumes from

cordite flares which were constant- something about the life or a pri-

ly spurting through the sky, either as signals or from the umbrella of planes upstairs. The battle was still going on at dawn. My advance Highlanders had gone through. two enemy mine fields, but there were still other mine fields, beyond barbed wire, protecting the main positions. A big battle looms in the coming hours.

MALTA DOWNS FIVE PLANES VALETTA, Malta, Oct. 26 (U. P.). —The toll of axis planes taken in raids on this island fortress for the past 16 days stood at 134 today after five more were destroyed and others damaged yesterday.

TODAY-MONDAY

Last Day!

As Always the Greatest Bargain

Ete Ee

EE TTT

TONIGHT UNTIL 9

.jregular tour of the guard house,

In the

‘| them right and teach them how, we

than I have ever seen him,’

Fort Commander Makes Certain Enlisted Men , + Get Square Deal.

(Continued from Page One) al

coming in now for a promotion! . When Col. Drysdale goes ¢n his

he makes a point of asking the men individually if (hoy ‘have any beefs to make.

Doesn’t Like Guard House

The complainis are rare, the colonel said. : “As you know, we're very liberal with them,” he explained. “This is wartime and we don’t want a man in the guard house if he can: be out doing a job that needs to be done. “I take special care that we try men as a remedial action—and not as 2 punishment.” As president of the army emergency relief of Indiana, the colonel has made it a rule that relief to soldiers’ dependents be handled in the speediest’ possible fashion. If an army wife comes in and" says she needs money for that baby that's on the way, Col. Drysdale doesn’t intend to keep her waiting. He wants the lady tuken care of before she leaves the post. Though perhaps not so frequently, Col. Drysdale once in a while gets the sort of complaint that has been common to the army for probably all its life—the food is bad. One day a man from the Ft. Harrison “tent city” came to the fort commander with the simple objection that the food really was not up to the standards to which he was accustomed and, in fact, it was just generally bad.

Few Let Him Down

The colonel made a study of the case, just as he would had he actually believed that the army wasn’t feeding its men well. In his treatment of the “small man, » Col. Drysdale has a wellformulated philosophy: “You can take it for granted that nearly every man wants to do the right thing. The important duty of the commanding officer is that the men know what he wants them to do—and that he teach them how to do it. “It is a very, very rare case when a man will let you down. In these cases, you ought to be quick to detect it and quick to correct it. “These boys that come in here want fo fight. If we don’t handle

ought to-be hanged.” The colonel, of course, knows vate from first-hand experience. In the Spanish-American war, he volunteered as one. He told the army he was 19. + Actually, he was 17. It all came to} light when he went to West Point.

HELLO, ELEANOR! DOUGHBOYS SHOUT

(Continued from Page One)

which marked Mrs. Roosevelt's twoday stay -at the palace, the king, queen and the two princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret Rose, had gone to the door to bid her farewell. Each member of the royal family shook hands with her and the queen kissed her, saying she hoped she would find time to visit Buckingham again or Windsor castle before returning to the United States.

Wants to Learn Needs

“I already have learned one thing,” Mrs. Roosevelt told the American fighting men. “One thing you want is thicker socks. That idea I shall take home, but it takes a long while to get the army to make changes.” When the laughter died down, she added: “I came here to learn just such ‘things and I hope you will tell me more.” The first man to speak to Mrs. Roosevelt was Sergt. Peter Swinick, Scranton, Pa. Pvt. Joseph Pizzuno, New Orleans, and Sergt. Douglas Alexander, Guinville, Tex., were right behind him, “How is the president holding up under the strain?” Pvt. Robert McCaskill, Loveland, Tex., asked. “He is better now in many ways she replied. “Three secretaries have broken under the strain, but the president is still going strong.”

MOTHERS TO MEET Indianapolis chapter, Order of DeMolay Mothers’ club, will hold a card party at 8 p. m. tomorrow at

‘side.

(Continued 1 from Page One)

penetrate the west flank of the Americans’ line. The first two attacks—“feelers"—came last Tuesday and Wednesday (Solomon islands

| time). Then there was a breathing } spell Thursday..

The zero hour for the “big push”

and a heavy artillery barrage, the Japanese tried four times - during the night to turn the west flank. Each time American marines and

"| soldiers repulsed the attack. ‘

New Landing Reported E Early ‘Saturday ® morning, the enemy tried again—in the same sector. American aircraft and artillery broke up that offensive, Twenty-four hours-later—Sunday morning—the ehemy was reported

- |sending fresh troops from tirans-

ports, the first enemy landing reported since Oct. 15. Meanwhile, north of Guadalcanal, Gen. Douglas MacArthur's longrange bombers continued their devastating destruction of enemy ships and bases. They dumped 17 tons of bombs on Rabaul, New Britain, yesterday, sinking a gunboat, ‘pfobably sinking three cargo ships and leaving fires and explosions that were visible for 100 miles. It was the third attack on that supply base for the Solomons in as many days and MacArthur's fliers ran their score there to 15 ships sunk, damaged and probably damaged.

‘Battle 24 Hours a Day

The navy’s latest communique brought up to date last week’s fighting in the Solomons, It left no doubt that it was a week of hell. The communique—combined with others of last week—brought into focus a picture of the type of battle going on for those strategic, South Sea islands. The battle is one of no-quarter asked or given by either And there is little rest for American or Japanese, either. It's a 24-hour affair—each day action being reported during the morning, afternoon and night. For seven consecuiive days—from Oct. 17 to 23, inclusive—the Japanese have sent large groups of bombers and fighter escorts at least once a day to bombard the Guadalcanal airfield—a field the Japanese built themselves and never had a chance to use. But the cost to them has been terrific. In those seven days there were eight Japanese raids during which the enemy lost /33 bombers, 48 zero fighters—a total of 81—and had four other bombers damaged. American airmen lost only eight fighters, a phenomenal ratio of 10 to .1.

Fleet Attacked Thursday

The grand total of Japanese airplanes destroyed during the battle of the Solomons since Aug. 7 now

stands at 374.

The last air raid reported by the navy last night occurred last Friday when the enemy attacked the airfield with 16 bombers and. 20 “zeros.” American Grumman “Wildcats” intercepted, shot down one bomber, damaged three others “and destroyed the entire fighter escort” of 20 planes. The big attack on enemy ships occured Thursday night when American long-range aircraft bombed the great invasion fleet the enemy has had concentrated in the Shortland islands area for two weeks. “Bombs and torpedoes.” the com~ munique said, “inflicted the following damage on enemy vessels: “(A) One light cruiser damaged by one direct and one probable torpedo hit. “(B) One destroyer damaged by a bomb hit. “¢C) One heavy cruiser (or battleship) possibly damaged by a torpedo hit. “All of our planés returned.” -

Believe Cruiser Damaged

Two nights later — Saturday — American aircraft attacked another enemy surface force about 300 milés northeast of Guadalcanal. One cruiser was reported probably damaged by a torpedo. The next day—Sunday—Douglas “Dauntless” dive-bombers based on Guadalcanal thrice attacked still

of Florida island where the Americans are in control of the important Tulagi harbor. One enemy cruiser was damaged by bombs and “the force withdrew.” It was the first naval action reported recently in the vicinity of Florida island which is 22 miles north of Guadalcanal. The action against enemy surface vessels brought the toll of enemy ships to 10 sunk, three|R probably sunk and 51 damaged— a total of 64. American naval losses are 12 ships sunk and two

the chapter house, 1017 Broadway.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 (U. P.). —The bill to extend the draft to

418 and 19-year-old youths was ap-

parently stymied today until after the election. Rep. John Rankin (D. Miss.) today prevented unanimous consent in the house to send the bill to conference witli the senate, because he insisted that the house be given a chance for a separate vote on the senate-adopted provision - requiring that the soldiers under 20 iba trained for one year before being t to foreign battlefields. Rep. Rankin’s motion would have required a roll call vote, and no quorum was present in the house

. | because of the large number of

reported damaged.

|Final Action on 18-19 Draft Stymied Till After Election

congressman who are home cam-

paigning. Administration leaders believed that there was a good chance of eliminating the amendment, which was adopted, 39 to 31, a few hours before the senate passed the bill Saturday. The house had earlier rejected a similar proposal. The senate adopted another amendment * authorizing deferment of farm workers from military service until they can be repldced and observers seemed to think this would be approved in conference,

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It is estimated that over a

came Priday night. Using tanks|

another enemy surface force north| .

‘New American naval commander in the South Pacific is Vice Admiral William F. Halsey, who replaces Vice Admiral Robert Lee Ghormley. Admiral Halsey led the raids on the Marshall and - Gilbert islands early in the war. His chief immediate task is the defense of the Solomons.

LOGAL HOUSEWIVES WELGOME RATIONING

(Continued from Page One)

points out that it is probable much of the pressure for rationing came directly from the retailers themselves. Two weeks ago when The Indianapolis Times made a survey of the coffee situation, a representative of a large chain store said: “We'd welcome rationing The coffee. 8 ong has been a “headache’ for Indianapolis housewives for weeks. Two factors stood out in the situation here: 1. The local quota was 71.5 per cent of last year’s consumption, 2. Hoarding. The quota itself meant that housewives felt a “pinch.” Then when some homemakers became panicky and started hoarding, the sists became even worse. ugh some stores tried limiting Se to one pound, that did not stop some shoppers from buying in the morning, sending daughter in for another pound in the afternoon and having father stop on his way homé from work to pick up another pound. At the

James Strickland, Indiana director of the OPA, had not yet heard of actual coffee rationing. But he did warn: “Hoarding only brings rationing quicker.” Well, it’s here.

REPORT DANISH: KING CONDITION IS SERIOUS

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 26 (U. P.).— King Christian X of Denmark, injured in a fall from his horse, was reported in serious conditon today. The German Transocean news agency reported from Copenhagen that the 72-year-old sovereign had contracted a “light case of pneumonia” and that “his Muries might prove fatal.” The royal family was said to be at the bedside. Transocean said that the King took a sudden turn for the ‘worse Saturday night.

LYNHURST 0. E. S. TO MEET

will meet at 8 p. m. tomorrow in the headquarters, 1200 Lyndhurst dr. Martha Phillips is worthy ma ‘tron and Walter Phillips is worthy patron.

RESUME RED CROSS WORK

The Red Cross unit of Maj. Rob~ ert Anderson W. R. C. No. 44, will resume its Red ‘Cross work at 10 a. m. Wednesday at Ft. Friendly.

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299 N. PENN. ST. OP. POSTOFFICE QUICK RELIEF FOR UPSET STOMACH Acts Quickly. Tastes Good. Tames upset from : much food. or sink. Good for Headaches and Neuralgis, too. . At All Druggists, 30c, 60c, $1.20 EFFERVESCENT

Lana MEY:

Teashers’ Spokesmen Say savings Staff Charge - Is ‘Insulting.’ (Continued from Page One)

Crensive «questions as whether they

knew there was a war on and asking them fo rise and sit down in answer to questions as'to how many

{have done this or that, gave the {whole procedure an atmosphere of

futility.” - He described as “rather questionable campaign methods” a “highsalaried executive’s denouncing of a group of teachers, thousands of whom are working for less than $900 a year and all of whom have

|had one and one-half months em-

ployment since last May.” Comparison Is Given

The war savings staff statement had compared the teachers’ situation with more than 600 industrial

(plants and their 100,000 workers

that subscribe 10 per cent of their incomes to war bonds. The staff charged that “apparently the teachers are more interested in obtaining increases in pay for themselves than in supporting the war, because they spent much

time in passing resolutions for their

own benefit, but none for the benefit of their country.” “There are a few isolated instances where teachers have given magnificent co-operation, but these cases are exceptions proving the assertion that in Indiana the public school teachers just are not interested in the war bond campaign despite the fact that thousands of their pupils and former students are now out on the fighting fronts risking their lives in order that the American system of free schools and free education will prevail,” the statement concluded. Mr. Wyatt replied that “without Mr. Pulliam’s aid, the association

{voted itself into the war savings

‘the war bond staff’s statistics. They

however, the executive secretary aid, “that they cannot compare with industrial workers because of the fact that such workers are earning two to four times as much as ‘the teach-

ers. Calls Statement Peevish

“I feel sure that the peevish statement of Mr. Pulliam does not represent the opinion of the officials who appointed him nor of the thousands of othér patriotic citizens who are working at the program of rationing, registration and other war drives. “It is certainly to be hoped that the war bond drive will be conduct ed in the future along more sane and co-operative lines.” Indianapolis. public = school officials, meanwhile, took exception to

said that 90 of the 82 schools here were participating in the payroll pian.

GOP VIGE CHAIRMAN TALKS HERE TONIGHT

Miss Marian E. Martin of Washington, vice chairman of the Republican national committee, will be the principal speaker at a “win-a-vote” rally to be held by the 11th

district ‘Republican women’s campaign groups tonight at the Columbia club. Other speakers will be G. O. P. State Chairman’ Ralph Gates; Mrs. Eleanor Barker Snodgrass, state vice chairman; Joseph J. Daniels, 11th district chairman; Mrs. Grace Reynolds, national committee woman; County Chairman Henry E. Ostrom and Vice Chairman Mrs. Agnes M. Todd. State officers and party ‘leaders together with party nominess on the local ticket and their wives will be guests. A radio will be installed so that persons attending the meeting ‘can listen to Wendell L. Willkie’s radio address.

over the week-end. : The dead: eb DARRELL POWELL, 28, of Noblesville, burned to death in a auto-truck collision at Strawtown MRS. MARY .PREVICH, 57, of Defroit; whose car crashed into & tree on U. S. 24 near Peru. ia,

ELL of Lebanen, injured fa when their: car was ‘struck by

Castle, struck by a car near S land. ; MRS. CHARLES FRY, of N Castle, whose car was struck by ia Pernsylvania freight train on u. : 40 near New Castle.

MISSIONARY FROM £ CHINA WILL SPEAK

from China, will spéak under auspices of the Woman's Society : Christian Service Wi at 8 3 p. m. at the Mt. Olive Method church. 5

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