IN THE AIR

Taihape Daily Times, 21 December 1917, Page 5

IN THE AIR

THE AIR RAID. SIX GROUPS OF PLANES. MOST TURNED BACK BY BARRAGE. LONDON, Dec 19. It is officially stated that sixteen to twenty aeroplanes participated in the raid. Three groups of raiders crossed the Kent coast, and thre other groups the Essex coast,, all making for London. Gunfire turned back most, but five reached London and dropped bombs between seven and eight o’clock. After the main attack a single raider flew over the city at nine o’clock. One raider was brought down by gunfire off the Kent coast. Another is supposed to have fallen in the Channel^ The casualties and damage in London have not yet been ascertained. Later advices state that coastal guns attacked the raiders while they were returning from flight over London. They brought down one of the Gothas, which descended in the sea. Two airmen were taken prisoner. 10 ILLED AND 75 INJURED LONDON, December 20. Official:—As a result of the air raid ten were killed and sevent yinjured in London, and five injured elsewhere. Material damage was not serious. Several fires were caused, but no naval or military damage was done.