SUCCESSFUL ATTACKS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 October 1940, Page 5

SUCCESSFUL ATTACKS

IN SPITE OF BAD WEATHER AIR MINISTRY REPORT. FIVE BRITISH PLANES MISSING. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) RUGBY, October 17. An Air Ministry communique states: “Despite most unfavourable weather last night, successful operations were carried out by bomber forces of the R.A.F. against enemy naval bases and docks. Numbers of heavy bombs were dropped on target areas at Kiel and extensive fires were caused. Hamburg, Bremen and Cuxhaven were also attacked, with good results. “Another bomber force concentrated on the synthetic oil production plant at Leuna. “In addition, munitions factories and power stations in Saxony were bombed and direct hits were made. “Five of our aircraft have not returned from these operations.” LONDON DEFENCES MORE ENEMY TESTIMONY. NAZI PILOT’S EXPERIENCE. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 16. A further illustration of the effectiveness of London’s air defences is provided in a broadcast description from Berlin of a German pilot’s experiences in a recent raid. The pilot said he left his base early in the evening and climbed to a great height to evade the coast observers. Soon after crossing the coast he ran into British fighters, and to escape he had to climb to an even greater height and take every advantage of the clouds. On the outskirts of London an enormous number of searchlights forced him to keep in the clouds. When he arrived near Richmond Park he received instructions to release his bombs. The British fighters again discovered him and he said it was only his great experience that enabled him to escape their scores of bullets. The return over the Channel was no easy task, as the British fighters hung on to him and it was only his speed which enabled him to reach his base. GERMAN DENIAL CHILDREN NOT BEING SENT TO RUMANIA. German officials deny a report that 200,000 German children are to be sent to Rumania, the 8.8. C. states. LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE TEMPORARILY OUT OF USE. LONDON, October 17. The Stock Exchange was not available for business in the normal way yesterday. Buying and selling orders were transacted in the street and by telephone. It is hoped that the dealing and settling rooms will be available today.