“HOPED FOR THE BEST”

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

“HOPED FOR THE BEST”

ATTACK ON FLUSHING DOCKS NEW ZEALANDER’S STORY TREMENDOUS EXPLOSIONS (United Press Asn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 13 The New Zealand bomber pilot who took his aircraft down nearly to ground level over the Flushing dockyard on Thursday night in face of intense anti-aircraft fire and dropped his bombs said, in describing the exploit:— “We were fairly low when they opened up. I have never seen anything like it. There was so much of it. I put down the nose and hoped for the best. Searchlights were holding us all the time. I just kept my eyes on the instruments and on the docks. If one had looked round one would have been blinded. “As we went over the bomb aimer made certain that all the bombs had gone. We dropped them and they landed right in the centre of the dock buildings. Immediately, we were thrown to 600. feet. There were tremendous explosions. The second pilot, who was standing beside me, was knocked off his feet. I was just concentrating on trying to keep the aircraft in the air to get away. There was a curtain of fire on all sides. We went through.” The ships in the harbour also opened fire on the attacking aircraft with heavy quick-firing guns, as well as with lighter guns and anti-aircraft guns.

One pilot sent out an S.O.S. that he was likely to be coming down, but was attempting to get home. Flying very low over the sea he managed to bring his aircraft back and made a safe landing at his base.