FIRES IN LONDON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 October 1940, Page 5

FIRES IN LONDON

ONE OF SERIOUS CHARACTER SOME DAMAGE DONE ALSO IN MERSEYSIDE. ENEMY LOSSES ON SUNDAY. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, September. 30. London was subjected to a heavier and more sustained attack than usual during last night. Enemy planes were also active over many other parts, including the Home counties and the Merseyside. An official communique states that in London bombs were dropped in many districts, and fires were started, one in the city being of a serious character, but it is now under control. Others were less serious and were quickly dealt with by the fire-fighting services. Houses were destroyed and damaged in many residential districts, and a number of people were killed and injured. On the Merseyside several large fires were started and some damage was done to commercial premises. Reports so far indicate that the casualties in this area were not heavy. In the Home counties attacks were heaviest to the south and west of London. The damage caused, though widespread, was not heavy, nor were the casualties numerous. From other areas little damage and few casualties are reported. The communique adds that two enemy bombers were shot down by antiaircraft fire and two more, a bomber and a fighter, were shot down by R.A.F. fighters yesterday evening, making the enemy losses during yesterday nine bombers and one fighter. Four R.A.F. machines were lost, but the pilots of two are safe. This morning London had two short alerts but nothing was seen of enemy planes over the central London area. The raiders came over Kent and split into small groups when they encountered R.A.F. fighters. Other raiders came over the south-east coast. Fifty bombers and fighters came in one wave flying high and leaving thin smoke trails. They were quickly tackled by British fighters, but details of the battle are not yet known. Others came over the south-west coast and there are indications that the Germans are resuming their attacks after the lull of the past two days. WOMEN & CHILDREN TEN THOUSAND EVACUATED DURING WEEKEND. MOVE FROM LONDON TO COUNTRY. LONDON, September 29. More than 10.000 women and children from heavily-bombed London areas have been taken to safe homes in the country during the weekend. They were accompanied by volunteer escorts and officials of the London County Council. An official said tonight: “We shall not rest a minute while we can transfer a mother or child to a place of safety.”