RAID OVER LONDON

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 283, 24 August 1940, Page 11

RAID OVER LONDON

Some Bombs On Outskirts FEW CASUALTIES Effective Defence In Night Attack (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) Received August 23, 9.30 p.m. LONDON, August 23, Enemy aeroplanes were over the London area early this morning. The raiders, which attempted to penetrate the London area at several points, were definitely checked at one point by terrific anti-aircraft gunfire. High-explosive and incendiary bombs were dropped in one area, and trees on the edge of a wood were set on fire. , . , > It is officially stated that during last night some bombs were dropped in districts on the outskirts of London. A cinema was directly hit and an adjoining hall also demolished, and a publichouse and a number of dwelling-houses were severely damaged. Fires were started in another part of the same district but were quickly subdued. A small number of casualties resulted. As the raiders approached the London area the noise of their engines grew steadily louder, and as they drew nearer searchlights played from a dozen points, picking up three planes. A dull thud of bombs was heard. One report says that about 20 were dropped, after which the anti-aircraft guns went into action, their first bursts appearing to go very near the raiders, who dodged in and out endeavouring to avoid the flying shrapnel and a maze of searchlights which were now blazoning the earlymorning sky. . The raiders’ manoeuvring was unsuccessful, and shells continued to burst round them as they turned and twisted and finally disappeared beyond the reach of the London defences. Air-raid sirens were sounded. Members of the staff of the Australian /Associated Press on .Home Guard duty from their own roof saw between seven and i 2 aeroplanes caught in searchlight beams as they crossed the moon. No damage could be observed from the roof of the building. Gunfire was reported from the outer suburbs after the allclear signal. It. was the first night raid London has experienced.