The Sun Times from Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada • 1

I a a a warm today. ThursdayModerate winds partly cloudy warm with scattered thundershowers. 5.45 a.m. Sunset 8.58 Moonrise 2.35 p.m. Moonset 3.02 The Weather and Owen Sound THE SUN 54TH YEAR THE TIMES 92ND YEAR OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 1944 LAST EDITION Three Cents a Copy BLAST PLOESTI OIL WELLS: 3.500 PLANES STRIKE British 14 Miles From Rome, Canadian Drive Threatening To Cut off German Retreat Dominion Forces Near Frosinone, Big Highway Junction way Junction HUNS DESPERATE Making Do-or-Die Stand in Effort to Save Forces BULLETIN NAPLES, May 31-(AP)--The British 8th Army has reached the outskirts of Frosinone.

Gandolfo. -Die Hun Stand NAPLES, May 31-(AP)-British troops advanced to a point just 14 miles south of Rome, and the south of coastal So Pescalella Nuova, German radio said today that dramatic street fighting was in progress inside Velletri, Alban hills road junction 18 miles from the capital. Along the meandering 75-mile front trom Valmontone to the Atina region north of Cassino, the British 8th Army, including Canadian infantry and armor, advanced swiftly against withdrawing German rear guards, taking half a dozen or more towns. The Canadians pressed on toward Frosinone, junction of two highways along which the Germans can retreat from the Liri Valley. Frosinone Fall Near Frosinone, provincial capital on the Casilina 43 miles southeast of Rome, tottered as the 8th Army moved within four miles.

(Berlin said German troops had taken positions north of the city of population.) "Increased enemy fire showed the Germans intent on holding off the Allies until the bulk of the (n- emy troops can be extricated from difficult positions in the mountains between Frosinone and Valmontone. Allied artillery pounded the Via Casilina in the Valmontone area, 20 miles from Rome. forcing the enemy to depend partly on secondary, the routes. critical area of the Rome line generally 16 to 20 miles south of the Eternal City, enemy defences were stubborn and skilled 25 miles of battle zone stretching from Valmontone around the southern slopes of the Alban Hills to Campo Iemini at the sea. While British troops advanced, no gains were reported from the sector the 5th Army front held by Americans.

At some points, west of Velletri. the Allies within six miles of the Pope's summer home at Castel The Germans massed infantry, guns, tanks and flanne throwers and scattered mines profusion in a do-or-die attempt to check an Allied breakthrough of their lonx established steel and stone fortifications. The din of approaching battle grew louder in Rome as the oth Army attacked without pause The loss of Velletri would cripple tain seriously the the Nazi efforts to mainpresent front guarding Pome, despite their obvious willing. to gamble all their available reserves and ma erial. "Strong enemy resistance is heing encountered by the Fifth Army mentions to the the enemy sea." line the from Allied Valcommunique said.

"It is now clear that the enemv intends to hold this dire at all costs' Cross Moletta River Boring away on the left flank, the British have crossed the Mcletta River all along the coastal sector. They worked their way through the village of L'Americano, on the coast 18 airline miles from the mouth of the Tiber, and also occupied Ardea, miles east and slightly south of Campo Iemini, coastal terminus the German fortress wall extending through Velletri to Valmontone, key to the Via Casilina 16 miles southeast of Rome. Americans fought into the outskirts of Villa Crocetta, just scutheast of bulwarked town of Lanuvio, in the Alban Hilis 16 miles southeast of Rome. The British 8th Army with which at least one Canadian division is fighting, wheeled steadily forward against enemy rearguards through the mountains of Central Italy, occupying the towns of Alfedena, Fontana, Strangolagalli, Pofi, Ceccario and A pino and closing to within four miles of Frosinone-a major exit for the desperately-plared Nazis on that sector of the front. The enemy was reported to have thrown all available troops into an all-out effort to hold his last fortress wall before Rome--at least until the troosp withdrawing in the face of the 8th Army can make good their escape.

Heavy Hun Defence It is now apparent months were taken in preparation of this steel and stone, shield barring the way to the Eternal City. Unofficial opinion was expressed that only a BRITISH 14 MILES (Continued on Page Twelve) FOUR- LEGGED TURKEY BINBROOK, May 31-(CP) -Two freak animals have been born near here, a Jersey with no eyes or tali, born on the farm of Hugh Duf(y, and A with four legs hatched at Ecker's. Deither Daily Sun- Rome, Eternal City, Awaits Her Rescuers PIAZZA DEL POPOLO I MAUSOLEUM oF BRITISH EMBASSY AUGUSTUS FINANCE MINISTRY MILITARY CASTLE OF AREA ST ANGELO GROME of MIDDLE PERIOD Overlapping Imperial Rome POST TELEGRAPH MAIN RAILWAY CHAMBER OFFICE STATION DEPUTIES WAR MINISTRY ARTILLERY BARRACKS ST PETERS THE PANTHEON S' THE QUIRINAL PALACE PONTIFICAL PALACE PIAZZA DI VENE ZIA CHANCELLORY MINISTRY OF ST PETERS INTERIOR STATION LATER ROME THE CAPITOL THE COLOSSEUM THE FORUM ROME THE ISLAND OF exposed to view THE TIBER MASSIMO HOSPITAL MILITARY THE PROPAGANDA MINISTRY VENTINO ROME ANCIENT MODERN, This is Rome, goal of the Allied forces, now lies across the Tiber River in area of its own. almost at the gates of the Eternal City. Every The ancient Rome of "the seven hills" lies the precaution has been taken to spare from bombing south, while centred, is the area in which time 15 the myriad historic and sacred sites, locations of echoed from medievalism to the nineteenth cerwhich are shown on the chart.

The Vatican City tury, U.S. MARGIN IN PLANE OUTPUT MUCH HIGHER Has Increased to 4-1 Over Germany and 7-1 Over Japan HUN OUTPUT CUT WASHINGTON, May 31--(AP)As invasion-day draws nearer, United States plane-production superiority over Germany has increased to a 4-1 ratio, while the margin is 7-1 over Japan, a joint report from the U. War Production Board and Aircraft Production Board said today. Since entering the war, the country has turned out 171.257 planes and will make 100,000 planes this year. numbers U.

S. production expanded 3,400 per cent between January, 1940 and March of this year. In weight, the more meaningful measure, output rose 6,800 per cent. "'The Germans are now producing only about 75 per cent of their output in 1942, when they were producing about 27,000 planes annually. "It is estimated that more than 40 per cent of German fighter production has been knocked out (by bombing).

Germany's current total monthly production of all types is estimated at about 1,800 Gen. H. H. Arnold, commander of the Army Air Forces, reported recently, that while great damage has eaten into German reserves, the enemy's air strength has not been knocked out. The British Commonwealth and the U.

S. together have built about 300,000 planes since the war started, while Germany and Japan together are believed to have producal about 151,000. Germany has been stressing aircraft since 1935, however, so they entered the war with a stockpile estimated at about 24,000 planes. In first four months of this year the United States built 35.009 aircraft, or one every five minutes around the clock, excluding Sundays This year's bill for aircraft will come to about $21,300,000,000 the report said. MIDLAND FAMILY OF SIX ESCAPE AS HOME BURNS MIDLAND, May 31 (CP) Mr.

and Mrs. Edward Desjardins and their four small children were burned out of their house on the south side of Olive street last night when fire broke out soon after midnight and quickly spread to the rest of the frame building. Two other houses on cither side also were slightly damaged. Neighbors roused the family who had gone to bed and were forced to evacuate the premises without taking any of their belongings with them. The house was not covered by insurance and the family has moved in with friends for the time being.

Origin of the fire is unknown, 7 DANES TO DIE STOCKHOLM, May 31-(AP Seven Danes, including a clergyman, have been sentenced to death by the Germans for sabotage and 17 others were given terms ranging from two to six years imprisonment, a communique from copenhagen announced yesterday. Times Coples an Issue. Dally average net paid circulation of The Sun- Times for April, 1944. The Audit Bu. reau of Circulation audits the cir.

culation books of The Times. Four Hun Rail Links With Invasion Coast, Air Base are Attacked 3,500 Planes Take Part in Further Two-Way Assault POUND PLOESTI Big Hun Oil Source Attacked by 750 Heavy Bombers (By Austin Bealmear, Associated Press Staff Writer) LONDON, May 31-(AP)-Up to 3,500 American planes striking from Britain and Italy for the third consecutive day, bombed a Romanian oil refinery at Ploesti today, four German rail yards funnelling traffic to the incessantly attacked French invasion coast and an enemy air base in the old French Maginot line. The air base was near Mulhouse, just north of Switzerland. The rail yards were at Hamm, Osnabruck, Schwerte, 10 miles south east; and Soest, 15 miles southeast of Hamm. The force from Britain numbered between 250 and 500 heavy bombers and 1,200 fighters.

These raids followed R.A.F. attacks last night on the French 1 invasion coast and Leverkusen, Germany. Big Raid on Ploesti From 500 to 750 U.S. heavy bombers escorted by swarms of fighters struck from Italy at Ploesti, 35 miles north of Bucharest, and enveloped at least one major refinery with flames and smoke visible for many miles. Clouds obscured full results of this first attack on Ploesti, 180 miles from the Russian battle lines, since May 18.

A number of German interceptors and intense flak were encountered. Blast Invasion Coast Wave after wave of U.S. medium struck again and again at bombers the French invasion coast. The 8th Air Forces attack from Britain was its 25th this month against European targets and the 15th in May against Germanyequalling March records. the fourth successive day in which 1,200 fighters from Britain had sought out the Luftwaffe for sky battles of attrition.

It was also the fifth successive day of heavy bomber action from Britain. Big Night Blows The Air Ministry announced R- A.F. bombers last night attacked targets on the French invasion coast while Mosquitos bombed the German chemical centre of Leverkusen. Mines also were laid in enemy waters during the night operations, which were carried out without loss. So heavy was last night's assault on the French coast- -apparently concentrated on area between Boulogne and Dunkerhque -that buildings on the English side of the channel trembled from the blasts.

Berlin radio reported Allied planes over Western Germany during the night, and Balkan stations were temporarily blacked out. suggesting Italy-based bombers might be striking simultaneously at southeastern Europe. The overnight activity followed American blows yesterday, when 200 bombers and fighters from bases in both Britain and Italy blasted military targets in Germany, Austria, France, Belgium and Yugoslavia. It was the first time American heavy bombers had hit Germany four days successively, Down 66 Hun Planes Other Britain-based planes- including Canadian units of the 2nd Tactical Air Force hammered railway yards in Belgium and France, and fortifications in the Pas de Calais area along the French coast. A communique said the raiders knocked down 66 Nazi planes for a 1oss of 11 bombers and nine fighters.

No Canadians were lost. Approximately 1,000 American planes from Mediterranean bases struck simultaneously at war plants near Linz and Wiener-Neustadt in Austria and at enemy concentratins in Yugoslavia. RED CROSS CORPS GIRLS TO FOLLOW INVASION FORCES TORONTO. May 31-(CP)--Mrs. Barnston Trudall, national commandant the Canadian Red Cross Corpse said today that when the invasion of Europe begins, girls of the corps will follow the forces either as ambulance drivers or welfare workers in field and base hospitals.

She said members had been on front line duty with the Canadian Army in Italy and Sicily since last July, living under battle conditions. In addition to girls now on service in military hospitals in Britain as welfare workers, an "invasion staff" is ready undertake work on the continent. The corps is staffing 50 ambulances for service in Britain or Europe. "These girls ate much in demand for this type of work," she said. 9,845 p.m, a.m.

Reported Missing F.0. MOSES RABOVSKY Whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Rabovsky, 320 8th street east, received official word Tuesday evening that he is missing after sir operations over the continent Sunday. F.O.

Rabovsky is a native of Sound and has many friends here. He enlisted in the R.C.A.F. two years ago. M. RABOVSKY MISSING AFTER SUNDAY RAID F.0.

Moses Rabovsky, of Owen Sound, Failed to Return to Base F.O. Moses Rabovsky, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Rabovsky, 320 3th Street East, is missing following flying cperations over the continent on Sunday, May 28. A telegram conveying this sad news was received by his parents on Tuesday evening.

F.O. Rabovsky is a native of Owen Sound, where he received his education. He has many friends here who will join with his family in hoping that later word may be received that he is alive and well. After finishing his schooling, F.O. Rabovsky was employed by the Owen Sound Hide Co.

prior to his enlistment in the R.C.A.F, two years ago. He graduated as an air bomber at Crumlin in July of last year and shortly after his graduation received his commission as a Pilot Officer. Going overseas, he received a promotion to Flying Officer cnly a short time ago. It is known by his family here that he had been on several bombing missions over Germany and German-Occupied territory. F.O.

Rabovsky has three brothers, Pte. Irving Rabovsky of the Canadian Army, stationed on the East Coast: Meyer at home and Max of Toronto, and three sisters, Miss Sadie Rabovsky at home and Misses Lillian and Bertha Rabovsky of Toronto. F.0. KEITH HILLS MET ACCIDENTAL DEATH IN BRITAIN TARA, May 31-Mr. and Mrs.

John W. Hills, of Arranvale, have received details surrounding the death of their son, Flying Officer Keith Alexander Hills, R.C.A.F.. who was killed on May 19th. Keith was one of the members of the crew of an aircraft that collided in midair with another plane one mile southwest of Kemysford village, in England. The funeral was held on May 24th to Brookwood cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England.

Among the friends present to pay their last respects to this gallant young airman was his cousin, Major Howard Coleman, formerly of Sarnia and Arran. It is matter of some comfort to the parents and family to know his last resting place was in the country he was so bravely defending. CAPS ON CAR TRACKS KITCHENER, May 31-(CP)-A series of explosions of caps of a sulphur composition beneath street cars, which have been frightening passengers here, are believed to be the work of youngsters with enough classroom knowledge of chemicals to menufacture the caps, Chief ConHicks said. De Valera Party Gains Early Lead GERMANS SAY ROME BATTLE NEAR CLIMAX Believe That Decisive Battle Is About to Take Place LONDON, May 31-(CP)-Berlin said today the battle for Rome was approaching its climax. "German military quarters believe that decisive battle is about to take place," German military spokesman was quoted by German Transocean Agency as saying.

He reported German withdrawals at two points-in the upper Sangro Valley and on the central and eastern sector of the Valmontone line. The German DNB agency said the Germans have "taken up positions north of Frosinone," a key railway and road junction on Highway 6 toward which the British 8th Army is moving. The German radio reported matic street fighting" in strongpoint 18 miles southeast Rome, and claimed the stubborn fighting there was pinning down heavy Allied forces and "enables us gradually to move back the German front on the central and eastern sector." "German troops are also retreating at Alfedena, in the upper, Sangro Valley course general movement backwards." the report said. A big tank battle. was reported around Lanuvio, midway point of the German line from Valmontone to the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The Nazis said 78 of 200 5th Army tanks were smashed. AUSTRALIAN PREMIER IS AT OTTAWA Expected to Discuss Pacific Affairs With King Wednesday TO HEAR PLANS OTTAWA, May 31-(CP) -Prime Minister John Curtin of Australia, visiting Ottawa at the invitation of Prime Minister Mackenzie King, who had extended it while both were attending the recent conference of Empire Prime Ministers in London, is scheduled to fill five engagements today, including a conference with Mr. King and attendat a meeting of the war com(mittee of the cabinet. It is considered possible that in his talk with Mr. King Mr.

Curtin will discuss Pacific affairs of mutual interest to Canada and Australia, and that at the meeting of the Cabinel's war committee the Pacific will be one of the subjects discussed, with Canadian defence ministers possibly outlining Canada's plan of action in that theatre. Accompanied by Blamey Mr. Curtin re. ched Ottawa last night, accompanied by Gen. Sir Thomas Blamey, chief of the tralian general staff, and was greeted by Mr.

King, members of the Federal cabinet, and important officials of the state and services. Mrs. Curtin arrived in Ottawa earlier yesterday and was on hand at the Union Station to welcome her husband to Canada In a brief chat with newsmen. Mr. Curtin said "Events to come will be the best criterion of the accomplishments" of the recent London conference of Prime Ministers.

He described the gathering as the most successful one of the kind ever held. Canadians' hospitality, he said, was well known Australia through hundreds of letters written by Australian training boys who had undergone air in Canada. KILLED BY TRUCK HAMILTON. May (CP) Sixyear-old Ronald Klokoff, was killed late yesterday when run over by a truck. Bulgarian Officers Escape to Turkey ISTANBUL, May 31-(AP)Seven high Bulgarian officers.

including a wounded general, were reported yesterday have arrived in Istanbul after a gun fight with German guards. at the Bulgarian frontier. Their automobiles later were said to have been strafed by a German plane in half -mile land on the Turkish- -Bulgarian border. DUBLIN, May 31-(CP)Prime Minister Eamon de Valera's Fianna Fail party, seeking a fresh mandate from the Eire electorate, took an early lead today as of ballots in yesterday's election procountina, ceeded. Twelve Fianna Fail members have been elected while two members of Gen.

Richard Muleahy's Fine Gael party, the principal opposition group, have been returned along with two independents. RAIN DOUSES FOREST FIRES AT TIMMINS Heavy Fall of Rain Finally Brings Relief in North Spoke at Wiarton HON. G. H. DUNBAR Minister of Game and Fisheries, who addressed the Bruce Peninsula Resort Association annual spring dinner last evening.

LIQUOR RATION IN ONTARIO IS TO BE HALVED 26 Ounces Month Ration Cut to 26 Ounces Every Two Months TORONTO, May 31-(CP)-Victor T. Goggin, chief commissioner of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, today announced that the present 26-ounces-a-month liquor ration in Ontario will be reduced to one 25-ounce or one 26-ounce bottle every two months, cr two halfbottles when available. The reduction is effective tomorrow The announcement said that the new ration will be effective until the end of the board's operating year--next March 31. Mr. Goggin said the Board has no discretionary power in the matter because of federal government liquor restrictiors.

Since new permits came into use two months ago sales have reached nearly 1,000,000, it was said, compared with a total of about 000 during the 12-month period ended last March 31. Officials estimate that if the rate of sale continues the total for this year will reach 2,000,000 and if this occurs the demand for liquor would far exceed the available supply. CFOS to Carry Political Radio Station CFOS, Sound, is carrying two C.P.C. speeches of considerable interest to all residents of this district interested in political affairs. Wednesday evening.

from 8.30 p.m. until 9 o'clock, CFOS will carry the first of a series of political addresses, under the C.B.C. arrangements whereby free broadcasting time 011 C.B.C. networks is to be provided for speakers representing the different national political parties. Tuesday's speaker will be 3 Liberal.

Thursday afterncon, 3 to 4 p.m., CFOS will carry an address by Prime Minister, John present Curtin of visiting Aus- in Ottawa. HUNS PAY HIGH FOR LIGHT GAIN ON RUSS FRONT Make Small Dent in Russian Lines in Romania NOT REAL DRIVE LONDON, May 31-(CP)- German forces have broken the sixweek lull in land fighting on the eastern front by making a small dent in Russian lines north of Iasi in Romania, a Moscow communique said today. The Nazis opened the attack with "large forces of tanks and infantry" but succeeded in making only "an insignificant wedge into our defence" at a cost of "heavy losses in men and material," the broadcast communique declared. Although the German attacks were described as sharp, a dispatch from Eddy Gilmore, Associated Press staff writer in Moscow, said they appeared to be an attempt to upset Russion troop concentrations rather than tine beginning of a real enemy offensive. It still was too early, however, Gilmore said, to estimate their full significance.

Iasi is about 180 miles northeast of the Ploesti oil fields. The Germans have claimed the Red Army was massing its forces for a drive 011 that source of fuel supply. Moscow also reported fighting northwest of Vitebsk in White Russia in the north, declaring Red Army troops a German drive, killing enemy. peat, back. LAD IS DROWNED VAINLY SEEKING TO SAVE BROTHER PELLEVILLE, May 31 (CP) A seven-year-old bk who tried unsuccessfully to save his younger brother was one of three youngsters drowned near here yesterday.

A fourth was saved and admitted to hospital. Donald Alyea and his brother Clare, six, were drowned in a creek on the farm of Paul Tyler after Clare had fallen into a deep hole as he attempted to retrieve a lunch pail he had dropped in the water. Donald tumbled into the creek as he tried to aid his brother. Sons of Mr. and Luther Alyea, the boys were returning from school to their home in Ameliasburg Township, south of here.

Third victim was George Weeks, nine- con of Mr. and Mrs. George Weeks of Belleville, who died in a water -filled quarry. His playmate, Robert Howard, was saved. Coroner Robertson recommended that swimming in the quarry be stopped.

Overseas Mails Lost Due to Enemy Action OTTAWA, May 31-(CP)-Postmaster General Mulock announced today the loss through enemy action of a consignment of mails for members of the Canadian army forces in the United Kingdom. The mails, including parcels and tobacco gifts, were dispatched from the base post office in Canada bea tween April 10 and 12. TIMMINS, May 31-(CP)-Offic ials of the Ontario forestry branch here said today that a heavy fall of rain today would effectively douse all bush fires in this area. They reported that all fires in the district are well in hand. One north of Timmins has been completely extinguished and another which reached a point eight miles away Monday now is under control and is not likely to spread further they added.

TORONTO, May 31-(CP) -Forest fires have ravaged more than 70,000 acres of valuable timberland in Ontario and British Columbia and are continuing to ruin thousands of other forests in Alberta. Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Ontario forestry officials said on Tuesday night eight fires were raging unchecked in the northern section of the province mainly in the North Bay-Cochrane district. A search was being made for an army lieutenant, whose name was not learned, reported to have crosscd the fire line while helping to fight a blaze in Boyd Township vesterday and failed to return to his unit. The blaze in the area, one of the worst in the province, was directed into another direction by a change in wind and three army trucks were destroyed.

One of the largest fires in Ontario is in the Gowganda area. 35 miles west the community of Elk Lake, where it started 10 days ago ref and has spread unchecked. A cavy rainfall is urgently needed to stop the fires from wiping out entire districts. CANADIAN UNITS IN BIG SWEEP OF OCCUPIED AREAS LONDON, May 31 (CP Cable)Canadian units of the British 2nd tactical air force, sharing in the pre- invasion pounding of key military targets. battered bridges, wireless stations and other objectives in France, Belgium and the Netherlands yesterday.

The force's rocket -carrying and bomb-carrying Typhoons demolished military buildings southeast of Boulogne, a barracks near Dieppe and a large wireless station near Auit. attack surprised the Jerries," said F.O. Ross Reid, Toronto. "We flew over as if we were bound inland and suddenly circled and dived at the target." Other Canadians on this raid included FO. Ross McCurdy, Haileybury, Two military trains near Ghent were shared by Flt.

Lt. W. S. Johnson, Belleville, and FO. R.

R. Bouskill, Toronto. Johnson then went on to strafe a canal barge. Canadians flying among medium bomber crews included Sgt. N.

H. Spagnoletti, Merritton, Ont. MONSOON SWEEPS PLAIN OF IMPHAL KANDY, Ceylon, May Reuters) -The Monsoon has struck In.phal and thunder is now mingl- is with gunfire while rain ing the battle ring round drenching the plain. But the end of the dry weather I will not halt the Allied attacks and in spite of storms Allied aircraft continue to bring supplies. The monsoon may, however, isolate big Japanese groups by cutting their tenuous communication lines along the rough tracks the Naga and Somra hills, and leave them the choice of fighting to the last man or escaping as they can.

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