AIR ATTACK CLIMAX

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

AIR ATTACK CLIMAX

PLANS FOR INVASION WARNING TO BRITAIN

(Official Wireless) (Received August 15, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, August 14 The Times, after remarking that this week’s air battles represent the beginning of the blitzkrieg, says: The assault upon the British is working to a crescendo, very much on the same lines as previous campaigns, beginning with the attack upon Poland. If the project of an invasion is still seriously entertained all this is obviously a necessary preparation for a raiding. On that assumption the air attack must be expected to increase still further in severity. “The climax may well be close at hand, for the season is far advanced. While the Royal Air Force still bears the brunt of the conflict, winning its inspiring successes under never-ceasing strain, which only its own members can fully appreciate, it behoves all other branches of the national defence, including the civil arm and the hosts of war production, to redouble their vigilance and industry.” Attacks and Casualties An Air Ministry communique states: Enemy activity has been much less pronounced today. An attack was made this morning on barrage balloons at Dover and a lightship was bombed. An unsuccessful attack was also made on an aerodrome in Kent, where two enemy dive-bombers were shot down by anti-aircraft guns. Royal Air Force fighters also engaged the enemy at several points and inflicted casualties. This afternoon scattered bombs caused slight damage to a stationary train at Southampton and injured several people. A house at Hastings was demolished and a number of people injured, several fatally. According to reports so far received fighters destroyed 15 enemy aircraft during the day. Four of our ; fighters are missing. I -