LONDON AGAIN RAIDED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21214, 10 September 1940, Page 6

LONDON AGAIN RAIDED

ONLY MINOR DAMAGE 47 AIRCRAFT SHOT DOWN SEVERAL PEOPLE KILLED (Official Wireless) (Received Sept. 10, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 9 A Ministry of Home Security communique states: This evening considerable forces of enemy aircraft again aproached London. Preliminary reports show that while a few penetrated 'north of the river there was only minor damage. There were scattered bombs dropped in South London and many in the outskirts, but again no serious damage appears to have been done. While full reports are not yet available the casualties are not expected to be heavy. The enemy dropped bombs on a town in View, and wrecked a number of hotffes. Several people were billed. Reports received at 10 p.m. show that 47 aircraft were shot down in today’s engagements. 45 by fighters and two by anti-aircraft guns. Thirteen of our fighters are missing, but three pilots are safe. Raids By 350 Planes Between 5 and 6 p.m. on Monday, after a morning of calm. Germany launched another 350 aircraft at South-east England and the London area. Successive waves of bombers and fighters crossed the coast between the North Foreland and Hastings. Wherever they turned they were engaged by Royal Air Force fighters, new squadrons taking up the attack from point to point. As the enemy crossed the Kentish coast the British fighters were ready. They found them over the rolling woods of Sussex, across the hopfields of Kent, above the commons and downs of Surrey, and over the streets and houses of London. They pursued them bark over the English Channel on the return journey. The anti-aircraft guns also helped to harass the enemy. The objective apparently included Royal Air Force stations in Southern England and various industrial targets, as well as London. Many of the enemy, however, were driven back before reaching any objectives inside London. Chased By Canadians The Royal Canadian Squadron of the Royal Air Force fought probably their greatest battle over the streets of London itself. They met the enemy on the south *!de of the Thames, chased them upriver from London Bridge to Hammersmith and destroyed three Dormer bombers, three Messerschmitt 110 fighter-bombers and four Mesaerschmitt 109’s.