Methodical Raids

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 226, 23 September 1940, Page 7

Methodical Raids

By R.A.F.

HOUR AFTER HOUR Determined Attack On Nazi Convoy Of Twelve Vessels (United Press Association.—Copyright.—Kec. 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 22. Methodically, hour after hour, bombers have continued their work of destruction on enemy-occupied ports and invasion bases. At Boulogne a great fire on the quayside tended to dwarf many others in the harbour. Big explosions were observed at intervals. Barges were blazing all night. Numerous barge fires were also caused at Dunkirk after repeated big explosions. A blazing warehouse illuminated Ostend harbour, but vast columns of smoke from another fire to the north-west of the main basis hindered the bomb aimers. The R.A.F. dive bombed on Calais harbour and set fire to a whole target area, making direct hits on four large ships, which resulted in dense clouds of white vapour. Other salvoes extinguished searchlights. The Air Ministry communique, says the British official wireless, states: "The R.A.F. continued its attacks on enemy invasion bases in Channel ports yesterday and last night. During the day aircraft from the Bomber Command attacked the port of Flushing and its defences, and concentrations of barges and light draught vessels at Rotterdam, Antwerp, Ostend and near Terneuzen, in Holland and in the Calais-St. Omer canal. 'Aircraft of the Coastal Command operated successfully against enemy ships at sea. A convoy of 1 2 merchant vessels was bombed near Boulogne. Patrolling aircraft attacked a supply ship of large tonnage south of Borkum and incendiary bombs were observed to strike the vessel. When smaller ships were attacked near the Dutch island of Ameland a direct hit on one was followed by an explosion during the night. "From shortly after dusk until nearly dawn the ports of Ostend, Dunkirk, Boulogne and Calais were heavily bombed by aircraft of the Bomber Command. Many bombs were seen to burst with good effect on ships, barges and docks, and the attacks were punctuated by fires and explosions. From these operations all our aircraft returned safely."