MORNING. OF BATTLE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 September 1940, Page 5

MORNING. OF BATTLE

WATCHED FROM BRITISH COASTAL TOWNS ENEMY PLANES SEEN TO CRASH. VAIN EFFORTS TO PIERCE DEFENCES. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright! LONDON, September 6. There were further air battles over the south-east of England this morning and several enemy planes were seen to crash. Watchers in one town on the southeast coast saw an armada of 200 enemy aircraft flying at a great height toward London. It included large fighter escorts. The anti-aircraft defences put up a heavy barrage and fighters went into action to split up the enemy formation. Watchers saw the first formation scatter. One Messerschmitt 109 was seen in difficulties rolling out to sea. Another big plane, apparently a bomber, was seen making for the Channel losing height. Watchers in another place saw British fighters tackle 12 German planes. One Spitfire sailed right into them. Two enemy planes crashed. Other reports speak of one or more German planes being brought down. The reports do not speak of many bombs falling, though it is known that some were droppea. Down the Thames Estuary watchers could see the strenuous efforts of the Germans to pierce the defence. This battle lasted a quarter of an hour, the enemy being driven off. RAIDS CONTINUE BUT FEWER BOMBS FALL ON LONDON. DAMAGE AND CASUALTIES IN SOME AREAS. LONDON, September 6. Intermittently throughout last night German planes came over the London area and dropped bombs, but they seemed far fewer than on the previous night. The anti-aircraft barrage was also less fierce, though occasionally it flared up. while searchlights probed the skies. Bombs were dropped in several London districts, wrecking houses and causing a number of casualties, some fatal. The all-clear was given in London after the raid and lasted seven hours, 34 minutes, the longest yet. As hospital was hit during the raid

on the London area. Two wards were affected. Two nearby houses were demolished. Another bomb scored a ect hit on a shelter where about 1000 people were taking refuge. Only two were injured. Two raiders were shot down over a north-east coastal town, one crashing in the main thoroughfare, setting fire to two houses. The roof of one collapsed on a shelter where a number of people were taking refuge, killing one and injuring two.