Record Total Of Planes Shot Down

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 177, 27 July 1940, Page 9

Record Total Of Planes Shot Down

GREAT DAY FOR R.A.F. Bombs Unloaded On Towns By Fugitive Enemy Raiders

FIERCE COASTAL FIGHTING

(United Press Association.—Copyright.—Kec. 1 p.m.) LONDON, July 26. It is now officially confirmed that 28 German "planes were shot down yesterday in raids on Britain. This makes the highest figure of enemy losses in one day in air attacks on Britain, says a British official wireless message. The Air Ministry announcement that 28 enemy aircraft were destroyed round the coasts brings the total since June 18 to 216, and since the beginning of the war to 284 enemy aircraft definitely known to have been destroyed apart from a large number damaged and not expected to return to their bases. The German losses included at least three machines shot down by anti-aircraft defences.

A German bomber was brought down in south-west England this morning. A farmer captured the pilot. Three other occupants were killed. Enemy 'planes attacking a town on the south-east coast of England this morning destroyed some houses and damaged others. The casualties were sntall. One person was killed. Bombs fell in another south-eastern town this morning, apparently from an enemy 'plane unloading while it was pursued by fighters. Several houses and a school were damaged. There were some casualties.

There was slight enemy activity in south-east and south-west England in the night and also in Wales. Some bombs were dropped near a town in East Anglia. No damage was done and there were no casualties in any area.

Six Getman bombers crossed the south-east coast to-night, but turned back when fighters appeared. German bombers also attacked a convoy off the coast of Northern Ireland. British fighters went into action. It is believed one raider was shot down.