BOMBS IN LONDON AREA

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21211, 6 September 1940, Page 5

BOMBS IN LONDON AREA

WORKS AND CHURCH *DAMAGED RAIDERS DISPERSED - MANY SHOT DOWN NAZI CREW ARMED WITH AUTOMATIC RIFLES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 6, 11.55 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 5 The sirens sounded in London for the third time today. It is officially stated that 34 enemy planes were destroyed today. Twelve of our fighters are missing, but three pilots are safe. The sirens sounded this afternoon shortly after the House of Commons reassembled. The Speaker said he understood that arrangements had been made to inform him when the raid became more imminent. The House carried on normally but the galleries were cleared. Ten minutes later the Speaker suddenly interrupted questions and announced that a raid was imminent. The House adjourned, and resumed at 4 p.m., w r hen the Speaker said: “The warning is still on. We are still alert.” The “All clear” was given at 4.56. The anti-aircraft defences broke up big formations of raiders over the Thames Estuary during the London warning this morning. Fighters pursued and scattered the German planes. Waves of raiders crossed the south-east coast this afternoon, heading for London, and an air battle followed. During last night’s raids a bomb directly hit and completely demolished a church in the London area. A number of incendiary bombs were dropped in London and set fire to works, causing severe damage. Several flat-dwellers were killed when the first bomb of the war fell in a north-western town. Two houses were demolished. Anti-aircraft fire in Wales continued last night incessantly for several hours. Many crude oil bombs were dropped. Four members of the crew from a Heinkel shot down in the south-east today were armed with automatic rifles. Three members of the crew were killed and the fourth was taken Drisoner.

Attacks Renewed A Ministry of Home Security communique issued at 9.15 p.m. states: Enemy .aircraft renewed the attacks this afternoon. Large forces crossed the Kent coast and split into two sections and these were reinforced by a smaller number which followed them across the coast. These formations attempted to attack aerodromes on both sides of the Thames Estuary. They were all engaged by our fighters and driven bad!. Bombs were dropped on an industrial installation on the Thames side. Some damage was done, but otherwise the attacks were unsuccessful and no casualties have so far been reported. It is confirmed that the number of casualties resulting from this morning’s attack was very small, but includes some fatal injuries. Bombs were dropped in several districts in Kent this morning and caused little damage. 54 Planes Shot Down It is officially announced that in destroying 54 enemy aircraft yesterday we lost 17 fighters, of which all except five pilots were saved. It is officially stated that there were 2336 civilian air raid casualties in Britain in August, comprising 627 men, 335 women, and 113 children killed; 711 men, 448 women and 102 children seriously injured.