BOMBARDING A VILLAGE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 311, 30 December 1908, Page 4

BOMBARDING A VILLAGE

LIVE SHELLS FROM DESTROYERS. Bembridge, on the c:ust coast of the Isle of Wight, a cjuiet fishing village and favored watering place, was on Monday night (Nov. 2) subjected to a nerve-shattering bombardment with real shell by destroyers, and there were some narow escapes from disaster. About six o'clock residents and visitors were startled bv the of shots over tlicir heads. The crashing to the ground of branches of trees cut in two by living projectiles was followed by loud reports of firing near the Nab lightship, which is situated about four miles from the shore, in an easterly direction.

An inspection of the vicinity of the houses showed the extent of damage done. Holes were torn in hedgerows in addition to the severance of tree branches, and some clothes suspended on a line appeared to -have been in the line of lire. Meadows iwere seen to be ploughed up, and three 12-pounder common shells, such as destroyers use, were unearthed. At the time of the discharge, destroyers were seen to be engaged in night firing off the Xab. using searchlights and aiming at a towed target. The naval officials at Portsmouth declined to make a statement, but it is known that eight destroyers of the , Portsmouth nucleus crew division of the Home fleet went out of the harbor on Monthly for a few days' cruise, the programme of which included night firing. The vessels were the Kangaroo. Rocket. Kestrel, Fawn, Thorn, Klectra. Hunter and Fervent. Much indignation* is felt at Jkmbridge that the naval authorities concerned should display such carelessness. It will be remembered that in summer a 12-inch shell under somewhat similar circumstances was fired into Selsey, and was dug up in a field surrounded by houses, where it had plunged several feet into the soil. The inhabitants are so accustomed to the, booming of guns during all hour* of the day and night that no notice is taken of it under ordinary circumstances, but thev naturallv object to ..hells. ' * rt seems that night practice is now carried out under different regulations. A is thrown on a moving target, and when the light is switched <ifT tht» destroyers endeavor to locate the position of the target--with poor success on Monday, at all events.