THE WAR, STEP BY STEP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 111, 17 January 1940, Page 3

THE WAR, STEP BY STEP

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13

The most widespread air raids of the war were experienced when Nazi 'planes crossed the coast at various points from Scotland to the Thames Estuary. No bombs were dropped, but several towns were showered with shrapnel. The 'planes apparently were mostly concerned with reconnaissance, although they bombed a steamer oft the Norfolk coast. The ship was not sunk, but lroin the coast it could be seen blazing against the horizon. Anti-aircraft artillery on the Essex Coast went into action against aircraft Hying eastwards over the Thames Estuary. Gunfire followed the 'planes to sea. Considerable aerial activity was seen on the south-east coast of Scotland. near "where a fleet of fishing vessels was attacked yesterday. British fighters chased three large black machines to sea. Two German Dormer 'planes cross ed the south-east coast ancl were later reported several miles inland. They reappeared over coastal ports. Royal Air Force 'planes went up, but apparently failed to make contact. Air raid warnings were not sounded. English magazine "Aeroplane" reveals all the secrets of the much vaunted German Fighter 'plane Messerschmitt 110. In an interview with an American journalist, Dr Goebbels admits that the Allies do not seek material gain and that Germany has a lot to lose. The mystery of the Sylt air raids on Wednesday deepens as Danish reports confirm the fact that a large number of 'planes were there until 4 p.m., despite the Air Ministry's statement that no British 'planes were in the area after 1 a.m. A Paris war communique states that "there was nothing to report during the night. We brought down two enemy 'planes within our lines yesterday. The official German news agency says that a French company, backed by heavy fire, broke through the German lines east of Forbach. The Germans counter-attacked, forcing back the French, killing some and taking several prisoners.

MONDAY, JANUARY 15. The first British wounded have arrived in England. Officer and N.C.O. decora ted for bravery in the field. Nazi 'planes bombed and sank the British steamer Keynes (170(5 tons) in the North Sea. The crew was landed. Only the wireless operator was injure d, although the 'planes attacked twice, one securing five direct hits. Two German 'planes bombed and gunned the British steamer P;twine.> (952 tons) off the Yorkshire cons'. The crew took to the boat. A German bomber sank the trawler Croxton. Nine of the crew drifted. in an open boat for 24 hours, before they landed on the east coast. A motor boat from a Trinity House relief ship attending Eddystone l'ight houses capsized. Six were drowned. The Admiralty denies report:-: that H.M.S. Achilles was in action against German warships off Nothing is knowi of any German warships in the neighbourhood. A Paris communique says there was no important incident during the night. There patrol activity on both sides. An official commentator says the bitter weather conditions continue to reduce land activity. Gales hinder air actions, but the French carried out numerous reconnaissance flights over the lines. Fighters brought down a German reconnaissance 'plane during two dog-fights. German 'planes appeared over the north and north-east of France. Despite bad weather the Finnish Air Force carried out a series of daring leaflet raids on the Russians' bases in the Baltic and on Leningrad The Russian Army appears practically immobilised. The Russians air raided Turku for four hours, setting fire to two houses and injuring a woman. Several groups of parachutes, each 50 strong, attempted to land behind the Mannerlieim Line, but were annihilated. A Paris broadcast in German says Germin, in addition to Italian, war material left in Spain after the civil war is being sent to Finland in a Spanish ship. A 'plane believed to be a Heinkel, appeared over the Yorkshire coast. Briiish fighters chased if seaward;-', '""v* vachjne-gun fire wr>« heard. British machines were seen sweop(Continued qt foot of next colum:;)

'ni4 down as if to make a kill as the machines crossed the cliff tops. The lighters later returned. Soon afterwards 11. A.F. bombers appeared, making seawards. Gunfire was heard in the distance. Another Nazi, believed to be a Hrinkel, Hew high over the Suffolk '•oast. Anti-aircraft guns opened fire in'.l the 'plane disappeared to the south-east. Heavy anti-aKrcraft fire was beard ' : he Thames Estuary. Many puffs : it; : >:c npp s are<] in the sky. A was sighted 'lying at a greal -Mght.