“ INDESCRIBABLE JOY ”

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21248, 19 October 1940, Page 7

“ INDESCRIBABLE JOY ”

BOMBING OF LONDON GERMAN PILOT’S STORY HITS ON BLOCKS OF FLATS (omclal Wireless) (Received Oct. 19, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Oct. 18 A Nazi bomber pilot revealed last night to a Berlin radio audience the “indescribable joy” of bombing London and the “happiness” of scoring hits on blocks of flats. The pilot, who took part in Tuesday night’s attacks, failed to mention any military objective. “This bombing of London was a never-to-be-forgotten pleasure,” the pilot said. “We started from our Northern France aerodrome and had to take advantage of every possible cloud cover to reach the outskirts of London.

“Then we ran into clear moonlight and could easily distinguish streets and blocks of flats. Two large fires had already been started when w r e arrived and then came, to me, that long-awaited moment of indescribable joy when my comrade shouted •Release.’

“We saw bombs explode near two previous fires. All of us in the plane lived that moment of happiness and joy when we thought of the damage which our bombs would do to London and especially to the block of flats which we had so clearly seen. “At that moment hundreds of searchlights concentrated on us and we had to make height at full speed and turn back. I must say that we were very lucky to reach the Channel again. We were happy when we were able to do so. but the joy of bombing London is unforgettable.” Child Evacuees in Danger Today’s first “Alert” signal in the London area sounded this afternoon. Planes were heard passing over. During last night’s raids thirty modern council houses were damaged and several demolished in a town in the home countries. Hundreds of London child evacuees are in the town. Among the dead are two children and a soldier who was home on leave. A number was injured, some seriously. Bombs fell in East Scotland this morning. A house in a coast town was struck. Two women were dug out alive. Only Few Raiders A Ministry of Heme Security communique states: The only raids on this country during today have been made by a very small number of single aircraft. Bombs were dropped in one place in the south-east of Scotland during the morning and at a few’ places in the south-east of England during the afternoon. In one town in Hampshire a few houses were damaged and there were some casualties.

Elsewhere little damage and few’ casualties were caused.