Jubilant but dubious – that’s reaction of British
U.S. soldiers in London howl with joy until they realize war’s not over yet
LONDON (UP) – Morning newspapers today generally “greeted” the reported death of Adolf Hitler and bannered the news in the largest type used since President Roosevelt’s death.
The Daily Express, however, went a step further with a three-column box headed “Obituary.” It said:
“The Daily Express rejoices to announce the report of Adolf Hitler’s death. It prints today every line of information regarding the manner of his death.
Deeds well known
“It wastes no inch of space on his career. The evil of his deeds are all too well known. It gives no picture of the world’s most hated face. It records that Hitler was born Schickelgruber at Braunau, Austria, April 20, 1889, and his days upon the earth he sought to conquer were too long.”
The British people were jubilant over the report, although a number still were skeptical that Hitler had died. When a group of Cockney youths was asked what they thought, one replied: “I don’t believe it.” Another insisted that “He’s halfway to Stockholm by now;” while a third said “It’s a pity a British housewife couldn’t have given it to him – that would have been a real show.”
Howl with joy
American soldiers howled with joy when the report was announced at the Rainbow Corner Red Cross Club. Cpl. Charles Cummings of Omaha, Neb., was the first to hear the news.
“I grabbed the mike,” he said, “and shouted: ‘Hitler’s kicked the bucket. Adm. Donuts has taken over.’
“I don’t think they heard that last part. They really howled. In about 15 minutes they subsided – I guess they realized the war wasn’t over yet and they wouldn’t be catching no boats tomorrow.”
Hitler’s death not worth an extra in Rome
ROME (UP) – The German announcement of Adolf Hitler’s death caused remarkably little excitement in Italy, once a co-partner in the Axis.
Newspapers were not printing because of the May Day holiday and publishers told the United Press that “Hitler’s death is not worth an extra or publication on an off-day.”
“We are waiting for the German surrender, nothing else,” one publisher said.
American diplomatic quarters were skeptical of the report.