ROAR OF BOMBERS HEARD OVER POLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 207, 2 September 1939, Page 9

ROAR OF BOMBERS HEARD OVER POLAND.

CRASH OF GUNFIRE.

Warsaw Citizens Calmly

Take Shelter.

MANY FIRES IN CITY.

United Fress Association. —Copyright.

(Received 12 noon.)

LONDON, September 1

A Polish Embassy official said the Poles repulsed attacks on Westerplatte, a military base on Danzig harbour. It was thought that the Danzig Hcimwehr made the attacks. He added that tho Polish radio was ordering mobilisation, also the evacuation of the principal cities.

Zurich reports that Warsaw was bombed twice, at 0 a.m. and 10 a.m., and that many partu of the city are already burning.

Gdynia, Vilna and the Silcsian mining districts liavo also experienced air raids.

The Berlin radio announces that the first successful air raid by a German bombing squadron was made on the Kadom military aerodrome, Warsaw.

Paris reports that German war 'planes bombed Warsaw and eix other Polish towns early this morning. Many civilians were killed and mjimA Additional towns include Vilna, °" >d ® o ' Brzeec and Lodz. Bombs destroyed the station and other buildings at Tcrew.

Before the air attacks, Germans crossed the frontier at four points including Dzialdowo. Bombers raided the station and tunnel at Cracow. The Polish Foreign Office at Warsaw confirm# the bombings of Gleiwiti. An ambulance arrived with wounded •oldiers at Mi «wrj««7 hoepitai.

From Warsaw it is officially stated that the air attacks are continuing on the cities of Silesia, and the defences of ■the Corridor. It is now stated that no damage was done, and that there were no casualties in Warsaw, although the sirens sounded twice. Explosions heard in the capital appeared to be eight or ten miles west. The raiders were apparently attempting to destroy the railway.

It is stated that there are heavy troop movements from East Prussia towards the frontier.

Warsaw reports that air raids started simultaneously at 5 a.m. against Wester Platte, Puck, Dzialdowo and Hotnicc.

Casualties Reported Small.

Casualties at Cracow and Kattowice are stated to be small, but the number is unknown.

It is claimed in Danzig that the Heimwehr attacks on Wester Platte, the Polish military base, and Danzig harbour were repulsed.

A radio order was Issued for mobilisation and evacuation of principal Polish cities.

A Berlin message says the Polish artillery shelled t7ic railway station at Beuthen. The Polish Embassy staff are leaving forthwith.

The British United Press correspondent in Warsaw reports that a fourth air raid warning was sounded at 12.40 p.m. when citizens calmly and speedily sheltered. Ten minutes l§ter the heavy thuds of anti-aircraft guns were heard to the westward. Apparently the air defences were sufficient, because the raider or raiders were driven off 'before citizens heard their engines. The "All Clear" was sounded at 12.57 p.m.

The correspondent of the Associated Press of •Great Britain reports from Warsaw that German war 'planes raided the centre of the city at 4.30 p.m., dropping bombs. Four previous attempts failed. The raiders are apparently trying to smash the bridge® of the Vistula.

Some German bombers lave apparently fallen in the river. Bombs were dropped two blocks from, the American Embassy.

An Independent Cable message says the Polish Embassy states that it received information indicating "hostilities on all fronts." Polish officials in London state that nine towns, including Warsaw, were bombed. An unconfirmed report from Helsingfora states that the German fleet bombarded Gdynia,

The German radio declares that Cracow was bombed. A message from Paris says it is understood the Poles. are retreating slowly to their previously prepared positions in Upper Silesia. It is most difficult to obtain reliable accounts of the fighting, reports often being contradictory and confusing. Few come direct from Poland. Warsaw People Calm. The first report for some hours was received from Mr. Edward Beattie, British United Press correspondent in Warsaw, who says the raids on Warsaw appear to have been light in character, intended to produce a reaction among the population, which, however, is taking them calmly. Germany is carrying out a direct offensive in the direction of Upper Silesia, which will be most effectivo in cutting off South Poland and stopping war materials from Rumania. It is stated that an offensive is proceeding towards Czostochowa and Dzialdowo. The Poles do not believe a big offensive is likely from East Prussia, where the garrison is believed to be weak. POLES OPEN FIRE. FIGHTING IN DANZIG. (Received 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 1. A Berlin official news agency states that Polish artillery opened fire at 11.30 a.m. on a sniall German frontier station of Beuthen. Five or six shells exploded without causing damage. Fighting continues at Danzig. The Germans have occupied, the railway offices, but the Poles are holding out in the post office, which is barricaded and equipped with modern weapons. Several hundred Poles were takt& prisoner when the Danzig railway offices fell. AIR-RAID WARNING. SYSTEM PUT IN OPERATION. (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON,. September 1. Local authorities have been instructed to put the air raid warning system in i full operation. Lloyds are dosing down to-morrow.