THE AIR RAID ON LONDON

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 114, 31 January 1918, Page 5

THE AIR RAID ON LONDON

MOST PROLONGED TO DATE OBSTINATE BATTLE FOUGHT London, January 29. Many snemy aeroplanes were concerned in tho raid on London. Tho attack was the most prolonged yet mado. The first 6tage lasted two and a half hours, and. the attack was renewed three-quarters of an hour after midnight. Several machines penetrated the defences. British aviators sought ' to drive Uie enemy into the anti-air-craft gam barrage. Finally the enemy attempted to break off the fight, but was subjected to a severe anti-aircraft bombardment. Tho British machines, closely following the fleeing Germans, brought down one of them.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A SECOND ATTACK. London, January 29. The Press Bureau reports that a further attack by aeroplanes was mado on London after midnight. Bombs were dropped at 12.30 in tho morning.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. OFFICIAL STORY OF THE RAID (Rec. January 30, 8.15 p.m.) London, January 29. Official: Two groups of raiders crossed the Essex coast and one group the Kent coast. They proceeded towards London, and the latter group dropped bombs on the Islo of Thanet and Sheppey', crossed the estuary of the Thames, approaching East London through Essex. About fifteen machines participated in tho attacks. Pour or five reached the capital and bombed various districts. "Later other aeroplanes crossed the Essex coast. One reached London and dropped bomhs. Two Plying Corps scouts, after a brief fight at close range, set fire to an enemy aeroplano over Essex. It fell in flames, and its crew of three wero burned to death. All our machines returned safely."— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. OFFICIAL CASUALTY REPORT (Rec. January 30, 8.15 p.m.) London, January 29. Official: "In last night's air raid fourteen men, seventeen women, and sixteen children were killed, and ninety-three men, fifty-nine women, and seventeen children injurod. All tho casualties occurred in London, excepting for one of tho killed and seven of the injured. The material damage was not serious.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. 70 BRITISH 'PLANES ASCEND TO THE ATTACK. (Rec. January 30, 9.15 p.m.) London, January 29. In the House of Commons Mr. J. I. Macpherson (Under-Secretary .for War) stated that seventy British aeroplanes ascended against the raiders. About ten of the raiders reached London. Some of the casualties were due to crowding at the raid shelters.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assu. THE GERMAN REPORT. (Rec. January 30, 8.15 p.m.) London, January 29. A German official report states-. "We dropped bombs on London and Sheerness with good effect."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.-' ANOTHER RAID (Rec. January 31, O.nO a.m.) Vancouver, January 30. The enemy's aeroplanes have again raided Loudon.—lleutev. (Rec. January 31, 1.35 a.m.) London, January 30. The Press Bureau states:—"Aeroplanes crossed the Essex and Kent coasts at 9.30 yesterday evening. None were reported in the London defences. Bombs are reported to have been dropped on the outskirts. The raid is still in progress."—Aus.-N.Z. Cahlo Assn.-Reuter,