COASTAL BATTLES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 September 1940, Page 5

COASTAL BATTLES

ENEMY PLANES BROUGHT DOWN. DENSELY-POPULATED AREA. BOMBED. (Received This Day, 10.45 a.m.) LONDON, September 1. A few German bombers appeared to get through in this morning’s raid over the Thames Estuary. Bombs fell and some damage was done. German bombers this morning renewed their attacks on the south-east coast. Several formations were driven off with loss. Four raiders dived low over a coastal town and bombed a densely-populated area, starting fires which were soon extinguished. Our fighters speedily dispersed another formation, which returned across the Channel four short. Several dogfights occurred over the area, dozens of planes twisting and diving. The Germans bombed a London area this afternoon. There were no casualties and two raiders were shot down. The ail - battle was visible and explosions were heard. Warnings lasted for 47 minutes.

DAYLIGHT RAIDS

MORE ATTEMPTS TO REACH LONDON. SOME CASUALTIES IN KENT. (British Official Wireless.! (Received This Day, 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY. September 1. A communique issued at 4.45 p.m. by the Air Ministry and Ministry of Home Security states: “This morning a strong force of enemy aircraft crossed the Kent coast and flew northwards towards the Thames. Anti-aircraft defences went into action and the enemy force was intercepted by our fighters and broken up. Bombs were dropped in several places on the river and in North-East Kent. In one town several houses and shops Were destroyed and some damage was done to a laundry, railway station and riverside buildings. The number of casualties reported is not large.

"Early in the afternoon a second force of enemy aircraft came inland and approached the south-east outskirts of tlie London area. A series of engagements took place and bombs were dropped before the enemy was driven back.”