GERMAN FURY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21219, 16 September 1940, Page 7

GERMAN FURY

INDISCRIMINATE BOMBING PATHETIC TALES TOLD HUMBLE HOMES DESTROYED (United Press Asn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 14 The indiscriminate nature of the enemy’s night bombing is fully realised only by those who have toured London and its suburbs and outskirts. Historical monuments, ancient churches and hospitals have suffered heavily in blind bombing. Many stately houses and other buildings have been struck down, but it is among humble homes in the main streets of congested suburbs that evidence of Nazi fury is most visible. Pathetic tales were told by the piles of wreckage to which many houses which were the pride of their occupants a few days ago are now reduced.

German mendacity in efforts to justify the slaughter of civilians and the destruction of private property is well illustrated in the enemy’s account of the raid on Buckingham Palace. An official German report declares that several German bombers attacked London, including oil tanks close to Buckingham Palace. Needless to say, there are no oil tanks within many miles of the palace. • Remarkable Feature A remarkable feature of the public attitude, toward repeated’ attacks is that at the end of a week of intensive bombing so far from any weakening of the will to defy the menace, public resolution is strengthened. There is evident <a quickening adaptation to conditions of air warfare. A clearer and more reassuring calculation of chances has been induced, as well as a better understanding how best to escape danger. The discipline, steadiness and nerve displayed by the public are blunting the edge of what hitherto was the enemy’s most successful weapon of frightfulness. London, in the front line, is steadily improving its defences and adjusting its life accordingly. The object of all individual actions and all regulations, counsels the Times, must be to see that activities remain as normal as possible, and thus deprive the enemy of the satisfaction of lowing output, retarding communications, or interfering with work of any essential kind. Front lines must be held, supplied, organised and repaired under tire, and both official rules and private actions must be governed by this principle.