WARM RECEPTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 September 1940, Page 5

WARM RECEPTION

RAIDERS STOPPED ON BRITISH COAST MET AND SCATTERED BY FIGHTERS. FIVE PLANES SHOT DOWN. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m). LONDON, September 3. The day’s first air raid alarm sounded at 10.23 a.m., when a terrific air battle was in progress over a southeast inland town. The battle developed when a large force of German bombers, in loose formation, accompanied by hordes of Messerschmitts, passed over the coast. A strong R.A.F. fighter force met the raiders over the town and the bombers were scattered in five minutes. Then the battle between the fighters began. Two bombers and three fighters were brought down. The German bombers, as they flew home across the marshes, jettisoned their bombs miles from any military objective. They were pursued across by fighters. The “all clear” signal was given in London at 11.32 a.m.

A second warning in London was sounded this afternoon. It is believed to have been due to the presence of high-flying raiders in south-east England, when bombs were dropped on towns in the surrounding district.

AIR MINISTRY REPORT ENEMY AND BRITISH LOSSES. (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, September 3. The Air Ministry has announced that 23 enemy planes have been destroyed thus far today. Fifteen of ours are missing, but eight of our pilots are safe. The enemy crossed the south-east coast in considerable numbers and dropped bombs in Kent and Essex. There was little damage but a few casualties, some of which were fatal. Reports of yesterday’s actions show that 20 of our planes were lost, but 10 of the pilots are safe.

THOROUGHLY BEATEN

SUCCESSIVE WAVES OF RAIDERS. IN THRUSTS TOWARDS LONDON. LONDON, September 3. Before the battle this morning over south-eastern England three main thrusts toward London by German aircraft were reported. The Germans were thoroughly beaten after an hour’s fighting. Three of them were shot down over the English Channel and three more over the Thame’S Estuary. Six paracutists were seen to come down. Anti-aircraft guns were heard in action when raiders appeared over a north-east coastal town. In another district a single raider quickly made off when anti-aircraft guns opened fire.

When the raid alarm sounded in London at 11 a.m. aeroplanes could not be heard. The traffic continued normally, and Londoners were as usual undisturbed, going on their way and occasionally peering at the sky.