NAZIS BADLY BEATEN

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21192, 15 August 1940, Page 7

NAZIS BADLY BEATEN

RAID BY 300 PLANES SKY ALIVE WITH CRAFT ATTACK ON ENGLAND FAILS (United Press Assn.—Elec. TaL Copyrlgnt) (Received August 15, 12.45 p.m.) LONDON, August 14 Today’s air battle over the southeast coast was one of the fiercest since the air offensive began. Spitfires and Hurricanes frustrated an attempt by 300 raiders to attack the coastal areas. Two formations of Germans heralded the approach of the armada. They skimmed the water and encountered a fierce anti-aircraft barrage, which blew one raider to pieces and sent down at least two others. In describing the battle a special correspondent of the American Press says British fighters held off a terrific attack in a gigantic air battle, which was preceded by half an hour’s gunfire. Heavy coastal guns were heard firing across the Channel, followed by thuds from the direction of France. A moment later the sky to the west was filled with aircraft, like a swarm of flies. The fight became such an involved mass of wheeling, twisting and diving planes that it was impossible to distinguish the British from the German. The ground shook from the antiaircraft fire during the whole engagement. Every gun along the coast seemed to be in action. All observers agreed that the attack was badly beaten.