RAIN OF BOMBS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 309, 30 December 1940, Page 7

RAIN OF BOMBS

Streets Illuminated By Blazing Buildings (United Press Association.—Copyright.—Reed. 11.30 a.rn.) LONDON. December 29. Immediately after dark to-night the Germans launched a most terrific onslaught against London. Thousands of incendiary bombs rained over all parts of the capital and dozens of fires were started, illuminating the streets. Hundreds of high explosive bombs were dropped. The "blitz" reached tremendous proportions, continuing until 8.15. A raid on a south-western town last night was the town's 240 th attack. It rendered hundreds homeless. Over twenty fires were raging simultaneously, but all were controlled. Nine bodies were recovered from the debris of two houses. All the shops, totalling sixty, in one street were damaged by fire or blast. A crowded bus was hit by an incendiary bomb, but the passengers scrambled out before the bus became a huge blaze. The incendiary bombs were scattered ever such a wide area that cottages were set on fire some miles from the town. An Air Ministry communique states: "Last night in bad weather formations of R.A.F. bombers attacked oil targets at Rotterdam and Antwerp and the invasion ports of Boulogne and Cherbourg. Lorient was again attacked and a large fire was observed. Two of our machines are missing as a result of the Boulogne raid."—(British Wireless.)