WAR IN THE AIR

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20987, 14 December 1939, Page 9

WAR IN THE AIR

RAID ON HELIGOLAND MEETING MINE MENACE GERMANS DRIVEN OFF (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 14, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 13 A Berlin communique states that British planes raided the Heligoland Bight last night. Anti-aircraft fire from the northern islands, also from German battleships, prevented the raiders from reaching the North Sea coast. -The Air Ministry states that last night security patrols flew over the islands of Sylt, Borkum and Norderney, in order to interrupt the activity of mine-laying aircraft. The operations were successfully performed despite considerable antiaircraft opposition. It is understood the patrols began a week ago, and were maintained throughout the night and at other periods favourable to mine-laying from the air. Two raiders near the Scottish east coast were driven off before the fighters contacted them. The raiders did not cross the coast. Raid Over France An air raid alarm in the southeast of France this morning lasted 45 minutes. Blood Transfusion A fleet of aeroplanes has been specially fitted to transport blood for transfusion at Army hospitals in France or cities in England in the event of air raid casualties. The blood will be stored in bottles, placed in cylindrical wire baskets in kapok-lined boxes, to ensure that the temperature does not vary more than two degrees in 24 hours. SECURITY PATROLS MEETING MINE MENACE KEEPING WATCH ON ENEMY United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel, Copyright) LONDON, Dec. 13 The Air Ministry announces that Royal Air Force “ security patrols ” were continuously maintained last night over the bases of minelaying aircraft in the Heligoland Bight. This for the first time reveals a new plan for keeping watch on the enemy mine-sowing raiders’ bases. Last nignt’s patrols possibly explain the sudden cessation of broadcasting from the Hamburg and Bremen stations, which faded out .n the middle of the English news bulletins at 8.20 and were silent all night.

MORE SHIPS SUNK MINED OK TORPEDOED SOME OF CREW RESCUED lLulled Press A6sn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Reecived Dec. 14, 11 a.m.) COPENHAGEN, Dec. 13 The Swedish tanker Algol was mined in a German minefield between Trelleborg and Falsterbo. Swedish warships have gone to its assistance. LONDON, Dec. 13 It is reported from Berlin that the freighter Deptford was torpedoed north from Bergen. Five of the 35 members of the crew are believed to have been saved by Norwegian ships. Asked in the House of Commons at question time whether an instance had occurred of the bombardment of any places in the British Isles by enemy submarines or surface vessels, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty replied: “No.”

TRANSFER OF GUNBOATS FROM THE YANGTSE PATROL PROSECUTION OF THE WAR (Official Wireless) (Received Dec. 14, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Dec. 13 The Admiralty announces that in October five of the gunboats of the Yangtse patrol were withdrawn from service because the officers and men were needed for important service elsewhere. It has now been decided that three more gunboats shall be withdrawn from the Yangtse patrol for similar reasons connected with the prosecution of the war in Europe. The decision will leave two of the ten gunboats in commission before the war. WORKERS FOR GERMANY INDUSTRIAL & AGRICULTURAL THOUSANDS FROM SLOVAKIA (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. CopyrigTH) (Received December 14, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 13 The Berlin radio states that Slovakia has agreed to supply Germany with 10,000 industrial and 25,000 agricultural workers next year.