NIGHT RAIDS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21204, 29 August 1940, Page 8

NIGHT RAIDS

GERMANS TRY AGAIN LONDON’S THIRD VISIT LITTLE DAMAGE REPORTED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received August 29, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, August 28 Raiders so far tonight have been reported over nine towns, in addition to London, nameJy one town in the south-east, two in the northeast, two in the south-west, two in the north-west, one in the Midlands and one in Wales. A London report says that a number of parachute flares were seen to drop while searchlights were exploring the sky. There was a wonderful spectacle as over 50 searchlights concentrated on two points from where the drone of enemy planes was heard. Several flashes in one district momentarily lit up the sky. Again adopting useless tactics, the enemy planes approached singly. Searchlights picked them up and forced them from the metropolis. Loud explosions were heard in one area soon after two planes passed over. Premier Watches Battle When over a hundred enemy fighters approached the south-east coast of Britain at about 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon, Royal Air Force Fighter Command pilots caught the biggest “bag'* fo the day, when ten Messerschmitts were shot down. Several more in addition were believed to be destroyed, although the loss could not be proved. A Hurricane squadron, which in nine days’ fighting in France destroyed 59 of the enemy, did the greatest damage. They saw four Messerschmitts crash or fall in flames and they seriously damaged another three. It is stated that Mr Winston Churchill, during a visit to Dover in biggest “bag*’ of the day, when ten fiercest air battles of the war. A feature of tonight’s raids on London again were the “nuisance” tactics. This is London’s third successive night attack. No damage has been reported. Furthcß Planes Down The Germans aimed at no fewer than six daylight bombing attacks on one Kent coastal town, the last being made at about teatime. At least seven planes were seen to spiral down during a half-hour whirlwind battle between English and German fighters. There were similar fierce encounters earlier. A bomb blew up a house and killed three women, including a cripple. A Glasgow squadron composed of week-end (auxiliary) pilots has now destroyed 63 enemy planes without loss. The Belgian Legation has announced that two Belgian fighterpilots, including the distinguished peacetime aviator. Lieutenant Philippart, have shot down seven German planes since August 18. Calmness of People A man telephoning from an airraid shelter in London at midnight said: “The people here are comfortable with deck chairs, armchairs, camp beds, chess, draughts, cards and books. A sweepstake is now being held on when the all-clear signal will go.”