POUNCED ON NAZIS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21190, 13 August 1940, Page 5

POUNCED ON NAZIS

RAIDERS SHOT DOWN BRITISH AIRMEN’S SUCCESS SOME THRILLING ENCOUNTERS (United Fress Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) i (Received August 13, 11.20 a.m.) LONDON, August 12 British fighters participating in a series of air battles foiled two largescale German attacks on the southeast coast. Several raiders were seriously damaged in addition to five shot down. Royal Air Force pilots pounced on the Germans in the first attack. One raider vanished out of control and the remainder broke off the engagement and fled for home. Three heavy explosions heralded the second attack. Four German planes came over and sent down a balloon in flames. The anti-aircraft guns opened lire and British fighters attacked. All the British fighters soon afterward returned. Three of the five German victims crashed in the Channel. A sixth, with smoke pouring out, was seen heading from the French coast, losing height rapidly. Two German pilots baled out and were carried further out to sea as the parachutes drifted down. Crashed In Flames One of the sharpest engagements was fought over a coastal town. Two Germans were seen to break away, with a Spitfire pumping bullets into one, which was put out of control. Another German crashed in flames. Five more German bombers were brought down this afternoon during the biggest raid which a southeastern town has so far received About 30 Junkers 88 dive-bombers flew over. At least 12 Germans baled out. Fighters on the north-east coast early today shot down a bomber. One member of the crew was killed and three were taken prisoner. The Royal Air Force chased other north-eastern raiders out to sea. There were no casualties and no damage. Shot Down By Trawler The Admiralty announces that during yesterday’s action His Majesty’s trawler Edwardian shot down an enemy bomber and so damaged another that it is unlikely to reach its base. There were some casualties aboard the Edwardian.