CIVIL DEFENCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 131, 3 May 1940, Page 7

CIVIL DEFENCE

EFFICIENCY PROVED. CLACTOX-OX-SE A CR ASH. STIMULUS TO SERVICE. (United Press Association—By ElectricTelegraph—Copyright.) Received Mav 3, 10.5 a.m. LONDON, May 2. Tlie Minister of Home Security (Sir Jolin Anderson) states that the crash of the enemy bomber at Clacton-on-Sea (Essex) causing the loss of two English lives, injury to 156 people, and great damage to property,; is a clear demonstration that any locality may have brought home to it at any moment the value of a well-manned, efficient civil defence service. Sir John pays a tribute to the prompt and excellent work of the Clacton air raid precautions services and expresses the earnest hope that the lesson of this event will inspire large numbers to respond to the appeal i 250 000 able men and women to offer themselves as piart-time volunteers in the civil defence forces. The efficiency of the Clacton air raid precautions service is praised by the entire Press. The Times says: “That the air raid precautions system works so well in practice should be an encouragement-. to thousands of volunteers throughout- the country who are giving their time to it. That it has actually been called upon is proof to all that their long immunity is no reason for the lessening of vigilance.” The Daily Hail describes it as a big test in training which the air raid precautions organisation passed with triumph, while the News-Chronicle says the effort will be a stimulant and an example. The Daily Herald says: “The calmness shown by the citizens and the promptness and efficiency of the air raid precautions workers prove that sudden and unexpected disaster from the air causes no sign of panic among the peonle of these parts.” The Manchester Guardian says that had Clacton been without efficient and prompt air raid precaution forces the damage would have been much greater. “Unless fighter machines can keep the enemy from crossing our shores, Clacton will have-been merely a foretaste,” states the paper. RAIDER ATTACKS SHIPS.. According to u Press Association message a German ’plane machinegunned two Scandinavian ships berthed alongside each other at an English north-east coast port last night. There were no casualties: The raider damaged the deck and cabins and flew over the town and then turned southwards.