SHOT DOWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 July 1940, Page 6

SHOT DOWN

TWO DORNIER BOMBERS OVER THE ENGLISH CHANNEL THIRD PLANE LAST SEEN IN DIFFICULTIES. MANY ATTACKS ON ENEMY BASES. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.50 a.m.) RUGBY. July 7. The Air Ministry announced tonight: “This morning a Dornier 17 bomber was attacked by Hurricanes at an altitude of 13,000 feet over the English Channel. It went into a shallow dive as the flight of Hurricanes closed in, firing short bursts. The enemy was shot down. “Another Dornier 17 was sighted by Hurricanes and attacked at 18,000 feet over the Channel. At the end of a running fight, the Dornier had slowed down to a glide and then dived straight into the sea. “A third Dornier 17 which our fighters engaged was last seen in difficulties and may not have reached its base.” An Air Ministry communique states: “Despite adverse weather conditions during the last 24 hours, our bombers have continued their activities. Bombing attacks were made yesterday on the landing ground at Knocke, upon aerodromes at Evreux and Ypenburg and on barges at Zwolle and a canal at' Katwijk. One of our aircraft is missing. “Shipbuilding yards at Bremen and Kiel and an armament depot at Emden were attacked during the night. Incendiary and high-explosive bombs were dropped at Brunsbuttel, at the entrance to the Kiel Canal. Seaplane bases at Norderney and Hornum, were also attacked. Two of our aircraft failed to return from these night operations. “In numerous operations yesterday by Coastal Command aircraft, two of our aircraft engaged on escort duties were shot down by enemy fighters. Five members of the crews were rescued by a British warship.”