TERRIFIC BATTLES

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21210, 5 September 1940, Page 7

TERRIFIC BATTLES

RAIDS OVER BRITAIN PLANES SHOT DOWN ONE FALLS IN FLAMES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 5, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 4 A formation of enemy planes passed over the town not far from the Thames Estuary during London’s morning alarm. British fighters routed a strong force of enemy raiders in a terrific battle over a south-east coastal district. Two raiders were shot down within a few minutes. One fell in flames inland. The other dived intc the Channel about three miles from Folkestone. Nazi Planes Shot Down British fighters shot down at least five German raiders in a battle over the south-east inland area during the afternoon. No bombs were dropped. The German machines fled after they had been split up by Hurricanes. Anti-aircraft guns opened up in the Thames Estuary against planes flying at a great height.

Shops and Houses Damaged An Air Ministry communique, describing the day’s raids on Britain, states: Shortly after mid-day today a large formation of about 200 enemy aircraft crossed the coast of Kent. They were met by our fighters and anti-aircraft gunfire, and most of them were driven back over the coast. Two small formations, however, were able to penetrate the defences and one of these flew inland and dropped bombs on industrial premises. Some damage was done and a number of casualties caused, some of them fatal. Other formations passed over Kent to the Thames Estuary and dropped bombs on Medway Town. Some houses were damaged but there were few casualties and no fatal injuries were reported. I Elsewhere in the south-east bombs were dropped in a few scattered areas and damage was caused to a number of shops and dwelling houses. Reports up to 7 p.m. show that our fighters today destroyed 45 enemy aircraft, of which 33 were bombers or fighter bombers. Eleven of our fighters were lost, but the pilots of five are safe. Engaged by Fighters A Ministry of Home Security communique states: This morning two forces of enemy aircraft crossed the south-east coast. One attempted to bomb aerodromes in Kent. The other, after crossing the Thames Estuary, made a similar attempt against aerodromes in Essex. The enemy were promptly engaged by our fighters and anti-air-craft guns and only a few succeeded in penetrating the defences. It is reported that some bombs were dropped, but as far as is known ! at present there were no casualties or serious damage.