ENORMOUS FIRES IN DOCKS IT EMDEN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 133, 8 June 1942, Page 5

ENORMOUS FIRES IN DOCKS IT EMDEN

RjIF.'S 81C RAID Heavy Blow Struck At Great German Port British Official Wireless. Rec. 1 p.m. RUGBY, June 7. There were many great fourengined bombers—Lancasters, Stirllngs and Halifaxes—in the strong force which attacked Emden last night and through this port, and thence along the Dortmund-Ems Canal, to the armament factories of the Ruhr. Some ran into thunderstorms, but on the whole the night was clear. One pilot said it was a good night for fighters, but they did not see any and bombed without interruption. On the way back there was a great red glow to show what they had done. There were many reoorts that buildings were well alightf and enormous fires were raging in the dock area.

An Air Ministry communique states: "A strong force of our bombers attacked the port of Emden last night. The weather was favourable and large fires were left burning. Enemy airfields in the Low Countries were attacked during the night by aircraft of the Bomber and Fighter Command. From these operations nine bombers and one fighter are missing."

It is learned in London that bombs were dropped on a place on the south-west coast of England on Saturday by four Messerschmitts 109. Several people were injured and some damage was done to houses.

It is officially stated that there was enemy air activity over Britain last night and that aircraft in small numbers flew over one district in south-east England. Bombs were dropped at scattered points. Little damage resulted and only a very small number of casualties is reported. Two enemy aircraft were destroyed, one off the east coast of England and the other near its base in the Low Countries.