Another summary of the day's news produced for the troops on board the SS Alma Dawson as it sailed through Spanish waters en route to Gibraltar.  Interesting to note that in June 1940 Bordeaux was the temporary capital of France.

 

PRECIS OF NEWS BROADCAST IN ENGLISH 1900 hrs 20/6/40.

 

Contingents of Australian and N. Zealand troops arrived in England in high spirits to-day.  Messages of welcome from H.M. The King and Mr. Anthony Eden were read to the troops on board their ships.  Troops later disembarked and left by special trains for their camps.

 

Officially announced from BORDAEUX, temporary capital of France, that three representatives are now on way back to Bordeaux after meeting German representatives.  No details are available, but Italian newspaper states that cessation of hostilities is anticipated on Friday or Saturday.  French Prime Minister broadcast to nation to-day.  Said that an armistice was inevitable for reasons:- In May 1917 France had 31 million men under arms in spite of intense slaughter and fighting.  On the eve of present battle she had half a million fewer.  Also in 1918 France had far more British troops beside her, apart from American etc.  France was greatly inferior in numbers and materials and not so strong as 22 years ago.  Pleasure had prevailed avarice during the past years.  That was why misfortune had befallen her.

 

BORDEAUX heavily bombed last night.  Estimated 60 casualties.  100 raiders dropped heavy calibre bombs on air ports, shipping and the city.  50 houses destroyed.

 

100 German planes took part in raids on Britain last night.  8 people killed 60 injured.  3 Bombers shot down and a fourth disabled.  Bombs dropped for first time on Northern and Western areas.  Industrial areas apparently main objectives, and fires were started in three Northern towns.  Considering number of bombs dropped casualties and damage slight.  First news of raiders received just before midnight, and alarm lasted in some parts for five hours.  Within very few minutes of alarm being received one bomber shot down by Spitfires near north of Tees, second shot down in this area, and third shot down inflames Near Grimsby.  In East Coast town air raid warden clearing the streets was killed by a splinter.

 

R.A.F. raided two aerodromes in Northern France occupied by enemy.  Several hits obtained at ROUEN, and several bombers destroyed on the ground.  Intense A.A. fire encountered  Nr. AMIENS.  All aircraft returned safely.  Military objectives during night attacked in Ruhr, Rhine and Northern Germany.

 

15 Italian planes shot down during past 36 hours, during various engagements off Egyptian Coast, etc.  During 7 days since Italians entered war over 50 Italian planes destroyed without loss to ourselves.  French Air Force also very active.

 

Four more age groups are to be called up in Britain next month.  All 30-33 on Jan 1 this year to register.  Total number of men registered will then be over 4 million, although number in reserved occupations..

 

African offer to receive children evacuated from Gt. Britain under Evacuation Scheme has been accepted.  Thousands of parents are anxious to take advantage of the scheme.

 

Admiralty announce armed merchantman ANDANIA sunk after being torpedoed.  Two casualties only.  Ship's crew landed at British port.  Also trawler JUNIPER overdue and presumed lost during operations in Norwegian waters.

 

Estimated Canada will be able to export over 4 million bushels of wheat.