IN HOT PURSUIT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21208, 3 September 1940, Page 5

IN HOT PURSUIT

RAIDERS DRIVEN OFF ATTACK ON LONDON FAILS PEOPLE WATCH BARRAGE (United Pre-ss Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received September 3, 11.5 a.m.) LONDON, September 2 The sirens sounded in London for the second time today at 2.9 p.m. The “All Clear” was given at 6.2 p.m. Of the 26 German machines brought down today four were by anti-aircraft fire. Nearly 200 German bi mbers and fighters crossed the suiith-east coast in waves early this afternoon. The anti-aircraft defences engaged them in a hot action, and four enemy planes crashed. The bombers crossed the coast at different points in formations of 24, 16, 8 and 4, guarded by many fighters. At a point where 60 enemy machines crossed the coast British fighters broke up the formation after anti-aircraft fire and the Germans soon turned back. Later other enemy formations were broken up by British fighters over a Thames Estuary town. A bomb fell in a school playground. London’s second warning was due to large formations of enemy planes attempting to reach the metropolitan area, in which hundreds of watchers saw a great anti-aircraft barrage put up against 25 bombers. British fighters later streaked across the sky and engaged a force comprising 100 bombers and fighters. The enemy’s ranks immediately became a mass of whirling and diving planes.

Within a few minutes the raiders headed away from London, with Spitfires and Hurricanes hotly pursuing them.