DEFENCE OF LONDON

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 245, 13 September 1940, Page 7

DEFENCE OF LONDON

NEW METHOD OF GUNNERY

SUCCESSFUL BARRAGE

(United Press Association.—Copyright.—Pec. 12.5 p.m, LONDON, Sept. 12

The sirens sounded in London for the first time to-day at 4.39 p.m. Planes were heard over the city, but there was no gunfire and the all clear signal was sounded at 5.42. The sirens sounded for a second time in London at 9.17.

It is authoritatively stated that last night’s anti-aircraft fire in the form of a barrage was based on new methods of prediction. Tne innovation was undoubtedly successful, and the Bame kind of defence is likely to continue. It is hoped to improve the methods with continued practice. CASUALTIES AT DOVER. ~

It is believed that fewer than a dozen were killed at Dover during yes terday’s bombing and shelling. Rescue squads are still digging in the debris.' Those killed include a three-months-old baby, a sentry, also an aircraftsman who was pinned under wreckage for hours. He repeatedly assured his rescuers “I am all right,” but he died when he was freed. . GERMAN CLAIMS.

A Berlin communique states: “Our bombers continued their retaliatory attacks against London. They set fire to docks and harbour installations, striking gas and electricity stations, a powder factory, and an armaments factory. Another target was the great fuel oil stores at Port Victoria. AVe also bombed the harbours at Liverpool and other towns on the South and West Coasts of England. “A bomber squadron set fire to a destroyer and four merchantmen in the Thames Estuary and hit two other ships. Bitter air combats developed over England. The enemy lost 80 planes yesterday, including 12 over the Continent. Twenty of ours are missing. Two U-boats have sunk a total of 47,000 tons of shipping.”