RAIDERS CHECKED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 August 1940, Page 5

RAIDERS CHECKED

BY TERRIFIC GUNFIRE NIGHT RAID ON LONDON. BOMBS DROPPED ON OUTSKIRTS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, August 23. Enemy aeroplanes were over the London area early this morning. The raiders, which attempted to penetrate the London area at several points, were definitely checked at one point by terrific anti-air-craft gunfire. High-explosive and incendiary bombs were dropped in one area, and trees on the edge of a wood were set on fire.

It is officially stated that during last night "some bombs were dropped in districts on the outskirts of London. A cinema was directly hit and an adjoining hall also dejnolished, and a public-house and a number of dwell-ing-houses were severely damaged. Fires were started in another part of the same' district but were quickly subdued. A small number of casualties resulted.”

As the raiders approached the London area the noise of their engines grew steadily louder, and as they drew nearer searchlights played from a dozen points, picking up three planes. A dull thud of bombs were heard. One report says that about 20 were dropped, after which the anti-aircraft guns went into action, their first bursts appearing to go very near the raiders, who dodged in and out endeavouring to avoid the flying shrapnel and a maze of searchlights which were now blazoning the early-morning sky.

The raiders’ manoeuvring was unsuccessful, and shells continued to burst round them as they turned and twisted and finally disappeared beyond the reach of the London defences. Airraid sirens were sounded. Members of the staff of the Australian Associated Press on Home Guard duty from their own roof saw between seven and 12 aeroplanes caught in searchlight beams as they crossed the moon. No damage could be observed from the roof of the building. Gunfire was reported from the outer suburbs after the all-clear signals. It was the first night raid London has experienced. EFFECTIVE DEFENCE FOUR ENEMY PLANES DESTROYED. ENEMY CAUGHT IN BEAMS OF SEARCHLIGHTS. LONDON. August 23. In later raids last night enemy planes dropped heavy bombs in southeast England and also in some country districts. A report states that before dark 15 German bomoers attacked a southeastern town. They were flying at a great height. Anti-aircraft batteries went into action and British fighters went up to engage the enemy. Reports say that four of the 15 are believed to have been destroyed. The work of searchlights was particularly effective. In one case two enemy aircraft were caught in the beams of searchlights. They were unable. despite strenuous efforts, to dodge cut of the beams and were compelled to make off. In another district searchlights forced one raider to make off and residents later heard the explosion of bombs, apparently in a country district.