FIRTH OF FORTH AS OBJECTIVE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 93, 17 October 1939, Page 9

FIRTH OF FORTH AS OBJECTIVE

Two Hours' Action

FOUR RAIDERS SHOT DOWN

Hot Engagement

(British Offlclal Wireless.) (Received October 17, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, October 16. The Air Ministry announced that German aircraft attempted to attack coastal objectives in Scotland this afternoon. The R.A.F. engaged the raiders, and four German bombers were brought down, including one in the Firth of Forth and two 'in Fif eshire, as a result of anti-aircraft action. The Ministry of Home Security announced that reports to date indicate that there were no civilian casualties and no damage to property. The raiders approached at a great height and were hotly engaged by anti-aircraft guns. No bombs were dropped on land, though some are believed to have fallen in the sea. Of one crew of four one was drowned and two were found killed by bullets, the fourth man being rescued alive with an injured arm. /Three of the crew of another German raider which came down in the Pentland Hills were taken prisoner. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright.) (Received October 17, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, October 16. The raids on the Firth of Forth were principally directed at the Firth of Forth, and lasted for two hours, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The planes came in waves of three. As far; as can be ascertained, no direct hits were made on objectives, but there was some damage from shrapnel. Anti-aircraft guns around Edinburgh went into action shortly after 2 p.m. The weather was fine and the shell bursts high in the sky were clearly visible. The firing was particularly heavy over the Firth of Forth. There was also much aerial activity south from the city towards the Pentland Hills. ACTIVITY OVER EDINBURGH. ' Edinburgh reports that three planes were sighted over the city at 12.35 p.m. and that anti-aircraft batteries opened fire. Air-raid sirens were not sounded. Reports from several parts of the city stated that pieces of shrapnel were picked up in the streets. There was.much aerial activity over the northern B- '-district of Edinburgh. Three planes flew low and disappeared -behind the hills. Then the anti-aircraft guns fired. Soon afterwards a twin-engined machine flew low over the city and was clearly identified as German. A salvo of shells followed "X the plane towards the Pentland Hills, When it was last observed a number of British fighters were following it. Later it was reported that it fell into the sea near the coast. One report said that the raid was in the region of the Forth Bridge and Rosyth. No bombs struck the bridge. , It is announced that no serious damage was done to any 1 British ships. There were three casualties on the cruiser Southampton, seven on the cruiser Edinburgh, and twenty-five ' on the destroyer Mohawk.