IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 June 1917, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

AEROPLANE ATTACK. 3N ESSEX AND KENT. BEATEN OFF AND TWO MACHINES DOWNED. Efeoeived June <J, 5.5 p,m. • London, June 5. An aeroplane raid is in progress in the Thames estuary. Bombs were dropped in Essex and Kent. One machine is reported to have been downed. Beceived June 0, 8 p.m. London, June 6. It is estimated that fifteen aeroplanes participated in the raid, mostly Taubes. Flying at a great height they dropped high explosives. The anti-aircraft guns and British aviators hotly engaged the. invaders. One was downed and dropped into the sea. Crowds watched the thrilling air battle. Wellington, Last Night. The High Commissioner reports, under date London, June 6,12.25 a.m.:—A British official report says that this evening airteen aeroplanes dropped bombs in the country and small towns in Essex;, and attacked a naval establishment in the Modway. Considerable damage was caused to house property, but the naval and military damage was negligible. The raiders, after losing two machines, made oft" seawards. The casualties so far reported are two killed, two dangerously wounded, and 27 wounded. WEATHER EAVORS THE HUNS. Received June 6, 11.40 p.m. London, June 0. Weather conditions favored the enemy air fleet, which flew at a great altitude, seeking to penetrate inland under cover of light clouds. But the raiders were quickly spotted by British' aviators, who immediately engaged them in co-opera-tion with the land batteries and defences. The raiders only penetrated a few miles, dropped bombs, and then fled at high speed.