ST. PAUL'S DAMAGED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 29241, 11 October 1940, Page 5

ST. PAUL'S DAMAGED

HIGH ALTAR DESTROYED ROOF PIERCED BY BOMB CANON’S NARROW ESCAPE (Official Wireless) (Received Oct. 11, 11 am.) RUGBY, Oct. 10 A Ministry of Home Security communique states: During a recevit attack on London an enemy aircraft dropped a bomb on St. Paul’s Cathedral, piercing the roof at the East end of the Cathedral and destroying a high altar. The main fabric of the Cathedral was not affected, nor was the choir damaged and no one was injured. The bomb exploded # on the double eastern roof, a little distance from the great dome. Great blocks of masonry were tom from the arch and crashed 90ft on to the high altar, obliterating it. Furniture, including some chapter seats, was thrown into dusty heaps. The Bishop’s chair landed against the sanctuary gates, its carving being badly scarred. Two immense bronze candlesticks were not moved. The famous Gibbon’s choir stalls suffered only a thick coating of dust. The crucifix and other figures were not touched, but the flying debris gashed and pitted a picture of “ Doubting Thomas ” hung over the altar. A beautiful cross standing on the altar disappeared, together with candlesticks. Canon Alexander was sleeping in the crypt under the altar when the bomb fell. Formations Broken Up Formations of planes attempting to penetrate the Thames Estuary gave London a brief alarm before lunch. Anti-aircraft guns broke up the attack. London had two more warnings in the afternoon. The raiders were driven off by fighters. A solitary raider bombed a southern town, damaging buildings and causing casualties. WARLIKE PREPARATIONS ACTIVITY IN RUMANIA BANNING OF OIL EXPORTS BUILDING UP SUPPLIES (United Pres. Assn. —Elec. Tel. copyrlrht) (Received Oct. 11, 11.45 a.m.) BUCHAREST, Oct. 10 It is announced that Rumanians are going to Berlin to discuss the ( banning of oil exports except to pro- | Axis countries. I The Cabinet has decided to call up l on November 20 youths who norm- | ally would be called up next year; also to begin immediately large air raid shelters in the cities and build up war supplies. The first of £18,000,000 worth of German munitions is now arriving. VESSELS TORPEDOED GREEK STEAMER LOSSES ENEMY SUBMARINES ACTIVE SURVIVORS PICKED UP (United Press Asn.—Else. Te!. Copyright) (Received Oct. 10, 1 p.m.) LISBON, Oct. 9 The Greek Consulate reveals that Italian and German submarines in the Atlantic have launched a concerted campaign against Greek ships. Forty-eight survivors have landed from the Antonius Chantris and the Aghios Nicolas. Both ships were torpedoed. The Aglios Nicolas was en route to Bordeaux from Buenos Aires. A Portuguese schooner picked up 26 of the crew of 50 after seven days in the boats. A Portuguese liner picked up survivors from the Antonius Chantris. Greek vessels anchored in the Azores have refused to continue their voyages because of the Italian and German submarine danger. FIGHTING IN AFRICA i ITALIAN PLANE DESTROYED GROUND DEFENCES’ SUCCESS (Official Wireless) (Received Oct. 11, noon) RUGBY, Oct. 10 A Cairo communique states: In the Bugora area an enemy bomber was shot down by the ground defences. CONDITIONS IN SPAIN SHORTAGE OF SUPPLIES BRITISH EMBASSY’S PROBLEM United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright LONDON, Oct. 9 The Madrid correspodent of the Times says Spanish newspapers give prominence to Mr Churchill’s speech, but do not publish his references to Spain’s need for food, peace and opportunities for prosperous trade.

The British economic experts attached to the Embassy are faced with the task of clearing up misunderstanding and facilitating the working cl the blockade. Wheat will be the major problem during the winter, and large quantities will have to be imported.