AIR ONSLAUGHT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 118, 17 April 1940, Page 7

AIR ONSLAUGHT

HAVOC AT STAVANGER. | EFFECTIVE BOMBINGS. NO R.A.F. LOSSES. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) Received April 17, 10 a.in. LONDON, April 16. The seventh attack in five days on Stavanger took place last night. An Air Ministry announcement states that the Royal Air Force operations against Stavanger were continued successfully last night. A force of bombers attacked the aerodrome and buildings with large numbers of heavy, highexplosive bombs. They also used incendiary bombs with great effect. Two extensive fires were seen to break out. The ’planes returned without loss. A British Official Wireless message says it is learned from informed air circles in London that considerable damage was caused to Stavanger aerodrome in the recent raids of Royal Air Force aircraft. Direct hits were' obtained during the seventh raid last night on the runways. One heavy bomb burst close to the aerodrome control tower, and another started a fierce fire nearby. Aircraft and buildings wore destroyed, and the aerodrome surface pitted with bomb craters. Some of the many impressive photographs of Stavanger taken by the Royal Air Force and published to-day show in detail a large number of enemy aircraft on the airfield,- the hangar and runway of which have formed excellent targets for the British bombers. The vulnerability of this aerodrome is said to have been most evident in these repeated attacks of the past few days. FIERCE BLAZE. The ’planes arriving at Stavanger after the raid had begun were able to identify the target miles away from the fires started by the earlier attacks. Enemy ’planes were seen blazing fiercely, and the aerodrome was enveloped in clouds of smoke. Pilot-Officer Arthur Guy Wyndhatn Mcrcweathor, of Wanganui, is reported to have been killed on active service.