ATTACKS FAIL

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21209, 4 September 1940, Page 8

ATTACKS FAIL

RAIDS ON ENGLAND HUNDREDS OF PLANES THRILLING ENCOUNTERS (Official Wireless) (Received Sept. 4, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 3 The German Air Force today continued an attempt to batter the air defences of south-east England. They failed completely to weaken in any way or in any place the fighter opposition. Today the ground defences also gave new proof of their strength. During the day the enemy made two big attacks. The objectives appeared in each to be Royal Air Force aerodromes. The first wave came about 10 a.m., when about 250 enemy aircraft flew up the Thames Estuary. They made a two-prong attack north and south of the river. A second wave in the middle of the afternoon was smaller. About 100 to 150 bombers and fighters again sought to attack south-east England, some crossing the Kent coast and others approaching up the Thames Estuary. During the mflrning attack the newly-formed Czech squadron of the Royal Air Force shot down another seven enemy planes—six Messerschmitt 110 Fighter bombers and one Dornier 215 bomber. So far the squadron has destroyed 16 enemy aircraft and lost only one pilot. Raiders Driv-en Off A Ministry of Home Security communique states: Early on Tuesday afternoon several formations of enemy aircraft approached the coast of Kent and the Thames Estuary. Most of them were driven off by anti-aircraft fire and fighters. Only a few succeeded in crossing the coast. Reports show that bombs were dropped in only one place in Kent. The damage caused was negligible. A few persons were injured, one seriously*. Two more enemy aircraft were shot down on Tuesday by fighters, making a total of 25. Fifteen of ours came down but eight pilots are safe. It is now established that 55 enemy aircraft were destroyed yesterday, 43 by fighters and twelve by anti-aircraft fire. Two of our pilots who had previously been reported missing as a result of yesterday’s actions are now known to be safe.” Bad Weather Over Italy Ne\v objectives in both Italy and Germany were attacked on Monday by Royal Air Force bombers. They were large dynamite works at Schlebusch and a great railway clearing yard at Genoa. The flight to Italy was made in indifferent weather, and along the coast and over Genoa thick clouds at first greatly impeded the location of the targets. One pilot cruised about the clouds, then just as time was getting short he succeeded in finding the railway yards at San Pier Darena.