MASS ATTACK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24420, 4 October 1940, Page 7

MASS ATTACK

ENEMY MACHINES NEARLY ONE THOUSAND IGNOMINIOUSLY ROUTED BRILLIANT DEFENCE ■ (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON. Oct. 2. ‘ There have been many astonishing happenings in the daylight attacks against Britain, but none more remarkable than to-day Within a few hours enemy machines totalling nearly 1000 desperately attempted to reach Central London. Great waves followed one another at short intervals and sought by sheer weight of numbers to overwhelm the defences. They were routed ignominiously. The alarni sounded six times between breakfast time and late afternoon. Our fighters were never more brilliant. Time after - time they broke up the formations. There has been nothing like this whirlwind fighting in and around London since the blitzkrieg began. The day opened with a clear blue sky. Soon it was evident that the Germans were intent on one of the war’s greatest attacks. Swarms began to cross the coast, sometimes 250 strong. There was nothing haphazard about the reception by the Spitfires and Hurricanes, whiqh were far outnumbered. They were waiting inland at a great height and began to nibble furiously at the edges of the formations. The great majority of the Germans left no doubt that they wished to avoid a * close battle. Some of the Germans managed to reach the inner area, but time after time the invaders were broken up and driven off.

The fighting continued at intervals at , enormous heights all day long as fresh phalanxes tried to batter their wav to London. The extent of the bombing , had little relation to the number’s sent over. The R.A.F. ended the day complete masters of the situation. Up to 11 p.m. 10 Germans were shot down;