NAZI VERSION

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21194, 17 August 1940, Page 7

NAZI VERSION

DAMAGE EXAGGERATED CLAIM 143 BRiTiSH PLANES (.United Press A«3n.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received August 17, 2 p.m.) BERLIN, August 16 The German version of the air attacks over England today claim extravagant successes. The communique states that the German Air Force continued its attacks on British harbours, armament works, aerodromes and barrage balloons yesterday and last night. They heavily damaged harbour works at Portland, Scarborough, Bridlington and Middlesbrough; aircraft motor works at Birmingham; and hangars, barracks and several aerodromes in south and south-east England as well as the Midlands. “Violent air fights developed and one of our squadron leaders gained his 20th victory. “Several British ports were mined. “British planes made a night attack on Western Germany but caused no remarkable damage. “The total enemy losses on Thursday amounted to 143 aeroplanes, of which 106 were shot down in air fighting. We also shot down 21 barrage balloons. Thirty-two German planes failed to return. Nine German and one British pilot was picked up in the Channel. “A U-boat sank two merchantmen totalling 14,000 tons. “Ten Spitfires attacked several minesweepers, which shot down four of them. “A news agency reporter describes 30 minutes spent cruising over London without interference. They flew comparatively low. A few Hurricanes tried to attack but they were repelled destructively.” The News Agency states that last night’s raiders damaged Austin and Blackburn’s aero factories and started many fires at the Chatham dockyards. They set fire to workshops and demolished barracks. They also laid mines in the same area.