RANDOM BOMBING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24412, 25 September 1940, Page 7

RANDOM BOMBING

NAZI 'RAIDERS INTENSE ACTIVITY DAMAGE IN LONDON (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph--Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 24. (Received Sept 24. at 9.30 p.m.) After several noisy hours London's night raid developed into a series of comparatively auiet but intensively active periods. The raiders persistently attempted to evade the barrage on the outskirts and penetrate to the inner London area. They bombed the outer suburbs at random when they found it impossible to elude the heavy fire Some bombs, however fell in Centra] London. A.R.P. squads tackled incendiary missiles while the raiders were overhead and amid exploding shells. Two banks, a post office and a block of luxury flats were damaged in a north-west suburb. Bombers Routed by Spitfires Nazi bombers continued daylight attacks on Britain to-day. Waves of bombers trying to reach London were routed before they reached the city when Hurricanes and Spitfires attacked them over the Kent coast One formation of 100 machines which flew in at 10,000 feet appeared to include only 17 bombers. The rest were fighters, showing the respect which the German Luftwaffe has for British Spitfires and Hurricanes. Some of the Messerschmitts did not go inland with the bombers, but hung about the coast, apparently waiting for a quick return of the bombers. And the bombers were back verv suddenly, their formations in confusion.

Thirty or 40 high explosive bombs were dropped by a formation which came up the Thames Estuary, and some damage was caused, although casualties are reported to be slight.

Late this morning another heavy attack was developing over the Kentish coast between British fighters and Dornier bombers, flying in line astern. London had two short alarms, but. they were without incident. BEATING THE RAIDER TASK FOR SCIENTISTS LONDON, Sept. 23. (Received Sept. 24, at 11.30 p.m.) It is authoritatively stated that Britain's best scientific brains are concentrating on the task of beating the night bomber. A practical application of recent improvements in defence measures already justify the hope of the fulfilment of Sir Archibald Sinclair's prophecy that the pleasure of night bombing will cease to be attractive to Goering. The scientists are studying the problem from several directions—improved anti-aircraft fire, higher balloon barrage, searchlights, and speedier fighter interception. New inventions are being searchingly investigated, but, contrary to rumour, no entirely new weapon has yet emerged. It would be a mistake to concentrate on finding a solution applicable only to certain conditions. The defenders aim to make reception so hot in all weathers that even indiscriminate bombing will become so profitless and dangerous that it will be strictly confined,