GOOD RESULTS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 167, 17 July 1941, Page 7

GOOD RESULTS

ATTACK ON RUHR

Industrial Works Again R.A.F. Targets I'.IW. and British Wireless. Rec. 1.30 p.m. LONDON, July 16. An Air Ministry communique states: "Last night the R.A.F. attacked industrial objectives at Duisburg and elsewhere in the Ruhr. Good results were observed in spite of bad weather. Fighters on an offensive patrol attacked an enemy aerodrome in north France during the night. Three bombers are missing from these operations."

Beaufort aircraft of the Coastal Command this morning attacked an enemy supply ship of about 3500 tons off the north-west coast of France. A salvo of bombs was dropped, and hits were seen on the stern of the ship.

A later Air Ministry communique states that it is now known that one of the R.A.F. bombers destroyed an enemy fighter over Germany last night.

On Wednesday afternoon raids were made on enemy shipping in the docks at Rotterdam. Several squadrons of Blenheims of the Bomber Command were engaged in the operation, and the attack was pressed home with great daring from a very low level.

Preliminary reports show that direct hits were made on many ships, including a vessel of about 15.000 tons, and on a number of others of between 2000 and 10.000 tons. Heavy damage was also done to warehouses and stores. Four British aircraft are missing. Two of these were actually seen to bomb their targets.

Pilots who dropped the most powerful bombs during Monday night's attack on north-west Germany report that they exploded with "immense flashes." At Hanover the destruction and blast caused by ihese shattering missiles must have been spread over a great area.

Details of the buildings lit by the brilliance of the bursts sprang clearly to the eye. Both at Hanover and among the- docks at Bremen there were raging fires, impressive clouds of smoke following direct hits on large industrial buildings.

Our aircraft had a hard journey over the North Sea. meeting thick, cold clouds which rose to great heights. Over both Bremen and Hanover. however, clear weather made for accurate bombing.

R.A.F. fighters, ii is officiallv stated, shot down an enemy bomber into the sea ofT the south coa<t of England this morning.