DRIVEN BACK

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

DRIVEN BACK

RAIDERS ON LONDON VERY ACCURATE GUNFIRE DONATION BY GERMAN (United Press ASsn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 3, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 2 German bombers and fighters tried to penetrate the Thames Estuary defences at 8 a.m., but were driven away by anti-aircraft fire, after v/hich a formation of twenty planes again attempted to penetrate but the gunfire was so accurate that one plane was seen to fall and another obviously was badly hit. A dog-fight occurred and lasted from 10 to 15 minutes. No bombs were reported on the Essex side of the river. The London warning came when the battle was ending. A 19-year-old German pilot who was shot down near the south-east coast said to his captors: “This is the first time I have been here and I expect it will be the last. You needn’t hurt me. I have no weapons.” The young German gave a five-mark note to the Chathams Spitfire fund when passing through the station yesterday. The Mayor and Mayoress of a south-east- town, who were injured in a night raid, were in bed when a bomb hit their home. They fell through the floor, which collapsed into the living-room, where they were rescued from the debris by air raid precaution workers. The Mayoress sustained two fractures. Casualties and Damage A Ministry of Home Security communique states: This morning enemy aircraft were engaged by Royal Air Force fighters and anti-aircraft guns near the Thames Estuary. Bombs were dropped on several places in Kent. About midday further attacks were made on the same area. In one town a garage was hit and set on fire. In another town several houses were seriously damaged. Reports indicate that the casualties were slight but include several fatal injuries in one town. Twenty-six enemy aircraft are reported to have been destroyed today. Nine of ours came down, but five of the pilots are safe.