"PUNCH IN THE FACE"

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 May 1941, Page 5

"PUNCH IN THE FACE"

SUDDEN BRITISH ONSLAUGHT ON HELIGOLAND Harbour and Other Targets Bombed FROM A HEIGHT OF 150 FEET LARGE SUPPLY SHIP SET ON EIRE AT ST. NAZAIRE L( )?<!)( )X. May 16. British planes bombed Heiigcland in what is described as a perfect theoretical raid brought into practice. The planes, attacking in daylight, flew at a height of 150 feet and sticks of bombs fell on the jetty and harbour works, while barracks and other targets were machine-gunned, the town being thrown into confusion by the suddenness of the attack. The bombers were away before the defences got into action. One of the British pilots said: “It was a punch in the face of Heligoland with our knuckle marks left across the island.’’ A 12,000-ton supply ship was bombed and set on fire- at St. Nazaire and a smaller supply ship was attacked near Ushant. Two planes are missing from the attack on St Nazaire. At dawn today R..A.F. bombers made a successful lowlevel attack on Ostend aerodrome. All the planes returned. LIMITED ACTIVITY OVER BRITAIN Some enemy activity over Britain was reported today. Bombs were dropped by single aircraf t at points on the south coast, the east Midlands and east England. Little damage was d"one and the number of casualties was small. An enemy bomber was destroyed last night. Anti-aircraft gun fire bagged a German plane last Sunday, making a total of six destroyed that day.