SHOT DOWN

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20991, 19 December 1939, Page 8

SHOT DOWN

PLANES IN ACTION

ATTACKS ON GERMANY LOSSES ON BOTH SIDES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 19, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 18 An Air Ministry communique states: “Royal Air Force bomber formations, when searching the Heligoland Bight for enemy warships, encountered strong German fighter forces. “A fierce battle ensued, in which 12 Messerschmitts were shot down and seven British bombers are unaccounted for.” A German communique claims that 44 British bombers participated, 34 of which were shot down during a terrific battle. The German communique admits the loss of two German planes, the crews of which parachuted, and adds that the British unit was the largest that has ever attacked Germany. ADMIRAL QRAF SPEE CREW TO BE INTERNED BATTLESHIP STILL BURNING OFFICERS AND CREW WEARY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tei. Copyright) (Received Dec. 19, 1.45 p.m.) BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 18 With torn and twisted wreckage the Admiral Graf Spee is still burning 20 hours after its scuttling and the occasional explosions which continue emphasise its melodramatic end. Its weary officers and crew, surrounded by thousands of curious spectators, learned that the fate which they had hoped to escape in Uruguay nonetheless has overtaken them the moment they reached Argentine—namely, internment. Captain Langsdorff upon his arrival with his men from the other side of the mouth of the River Plate on tug-boats and barges, said: “I am satisfied; I saved all my men.” Captain Langsdorff plainly showed the strain of the ordeal. The crew consists mainly of youngsters of 18 to 21. Similarly they showed fatigue and tension. CONTRABAND CONTROL NEW BASE AT ADEN SEEKING GERMAN CARGO (Official Wireless) (Received Dec. 19, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Dec. 18 For the convenience of shipping a contraband control base has been established at Aden, to supplement those already existing in the Mediterranean. This base will also be available for the examination of outward-bound shipping for goods of German origin or ownership. GERMANS EXPELLED ACTION BY TURKEY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) ISTANBUL. Dec. 17 One hundred and seven Germans have been expelled for suspicious activities. SECRET WEAPON BRITISH SCIENTISTS’ METHOD CRASH OF GERMAN BOMBER (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Dec. 18 Several London newspapers give prominence to reports that a German bomber which crashed on the Norfolk coast, out of control, was brought down by a British secret weapon. The Sketch and the Daily Dispatch says that a hint was dropped deliberately in a high official quarter that Britain had such a weapon, but no announcement can be expected. The Daily Mail says British scientists have perfected a new method of air defence which does not employ the usual armaments. It adds that experiments have proved the weapon's success, and it may be an important factor in aerial coastal defence. It is reported that the Norfolk coast bomber was not attacked by fighters or guns. AN ENDURING PEACE AFTER-WAR PROBLEMS WORLD SOCIAL JUSTICE (United Press Assn—Elec. Tel. Copyrignt) LONDON. Dec. 17 The Leader of the Labour Opposition. Mr C. R. Attlee, speaking at a conference at Durham, emphasised the need for world social justice after the war. Stating that it was essential that an enduring peace should follow, Mr Attlee said: “We stand in defence of principles. We want to secure world freedom and social justice. “No good trades unionist can be an isolationist, and we must 'stand or fall together with other peoples. That is my answer to those people who ask why we meddle in Continental affair*.-