STILL LONDON

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21246, 17 October 1940, Page 7

STILL LONDON

UNSHAKEN RESOLVE PEOPLES’ DETERMINATION NAZI EXAGGERATION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 17, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 16 The German statement that 1000 planes raided London last night probably an exaggeration but hundreds of tons of high explosive and incendiary bombs hit the capital It was a horrific night for those who, still believing that the discomforts underground are the greater of two terrors, stayed above the surface. The raiders made whole districts their targets, consequently the majority of the bombs achieved little direct military importance. “The faces of the crews were radiant, as everyone had a grand experience,” says the Berlin news agency in describing the return of the Luftwaffe raiders from London. “The Luftwaffe gives no quarter,” says the agency, in citing the examples of annihilated Warsaw, destroyed Rotterdam, and the devastation of Dunkirk. It added: “It is often asked, how long will it be before London meets the same fate? The impression of the fire in London last night is indescribable. The supply system will be paralysed for a long time to come.” That is what Berlin thinks. Londoners went to work this morning much the same as usual. The majority still had jobs to which to go, and tackled them with the same unshaken resolve. London is still London. Wanton Bombing of Civilians A communique states: Reports so far received show that there has been hardly any enemy activity over Britain today. Bombs are reported only in a coast town in Scotland and at one point in the west country, and no damage or casualties have been reported. While full particulars are not available it seems clear that despite the widespread and quite wanton bombing of civilians in London last night the number of killed though larger than in recent raids, was considerably less than in earlier raids in September. A Coastal Command fighter shot down an enemy float plane this morning. Scottish Airmen's Success

Two of the best-known Scottish auxiliary air squadrons, the City of Edinburgh and City of Glasgow, which are participating in the defence of London, have repeatedly been in action over several weeks in the south-east area. Their combined bag of enemy aircraft is nearly 150. Several of these pilots were engaged in the first battle over Britain, when the Germans last year attempted to raid the Firth of Forth. The Edinburgh Squadron recently shot down 14 machines in one day, a record which few squadrons have equalled. Terrific Gunfire According to press observations a succession of enemy planes, as on the previous night, flew in from the east and north-east last night, and, circling over London to the West, later made off in the direction of the south and south-west. The great height at which some of the raiders flew was indicated by the so-called smoke trails traced by the planes against a clear sky, brilliantly lighted by a hunter’s moon. Incendiary and high explosive bombs were showered on the capital. The raiders met with terrific salvoes of gunfire. MANUFACTURE BANNED WAR MATERIALS IX FRANCE KEEPING ARMISTICE TERMS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlg-ht) (Received Oct. 17, 11.40 a.m.) VICHY, Oct. 16 The Government has issued a decree banning the manufacture in France of all weapons and war materials, and ending the construction of even uncompleted warships. The decree is in accordance with the terms of the Armistice. DASH FOR SAFETY NAZI PILOT’S ADMISSION EFFICACY OF DEFENCES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Cop.vrig-ht) LONDON, Oct. 15 Contrasting with the German news agency boasting of British air losses and damage to London, German pilots testify to the efficacy of the London defences. One pilot described how antiaircraft shell bursts drew nearer until one of his engines was put out of action and he was compelled to dash for safety. BUSINESS AS USUAL CONDITIONS IN BRITAIN (United Press Asn.—Erec. Tel. Copyright) WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 The United States Department of Commerce has issued a statement that “business as usual” is more than just a slogan in bomb-raked Britain. In a survey of world conditions, the department says that the general I business of Britain shows no material | change, although major attention is J being devoted to problems of production under continuous air raids.