IN THE AIR.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 28 May 1917, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

AIR RAID ON ENGLAND. SEVENTY-SIX CIVILIANS KILLED. 27 WOMEN AND 23 CHILDREN INCLUDED. LONDON, May 26. It is officially reported that a large squadron of enemy aircraft —about 16 — attacked South-east England between 5.15 and 6.30 yesterday evening. Bombs were dropped on a number of places. Nearly all the damage occurred in one town, where bombs fell in the streets, causing considerable casualties among civilians. Shops and houses were seriously damaged... Seventy-six persons were killed, of whom 27 were women and 23 children. One hundred and seventy-four were injured, of whom 43 were women and 19 children. Our aero - planes from Dunkirk engaged the returning raiders. The Admiralty reports that, three enemy aeroplanes were downed. THE GERMAN VERSION LONDON, May 26. A Berlin official imaginative account of the air raid on the 24th inst says: We attacked the fortified places of Sh.eernc.ss, Harwich and Norwich successful!}'. All our airships returned unharmed despite perfected enemy dejfences, DAMAGE IN SHOPPING CENTRES. A GRUESOME SPECTACLE. Received 9.20 a.m. LONDON, May 27. In fine, weather the invaders flew at a great height, screened by a bank of clouds. Scarcely any part of the town escaped. At 1ea5t....6.0 high explosive bombs were dropped, and the greatest damage was done in the ■crowded shopping centre. Bodies and limbs of the victims, with carcases of horses were lying about. Several prominent residents were included in the death roll. The invaders also visited three neigh bearing towns, but little damage was done, though a few were injured. During a break in the clouds the raiders were seen for a few seconds, with British airmen pursuing and firing, but it is believed they got clear to the coastline without loss.

Five seaplanes attempted a raid at another point. The Britishers went iu pursuit, and the enemy headed across the Channel.

No naval or military damage w r as done,

GREECE. GREECE’S MARITIME LOSSES Received 9.15 a.m. ATHENS, May 27. One hundred and two Greek ships, aggregating 400,000 tons, have been torpedoed. " PWip^] The Allies have handed over the Greek cruiser Elli to the Provisional Go vernment. GERMANY’S INTERNAL TROUBLES. FOOD RIOTS IN BRUSSELS. Received 9.15 a.m. AMSTERDAM, May 27. Reports are current of serious food riots occurring in the outskirts of Brussels on Sunday. Crowds fought the police. Finally mounted police dispersed them. INCREASING WAR CONTRIBUTIONS Received 9.15 n.m. AMSTERDAM, May 27. Germany is increasing the war contribution payable hy the Belgian provinces from 50 to 60 million francs monthly owing to the increased expense of maintaining the army of occupation