LIGHT ATTACKS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 27, 26 October 1940, Page 11

LIGHT ATTACKS

j German Raids Over Britain CASUALTIES DROP i LONDON, Octber 25. German raids over Britain last night were on a very light scale. Fires were started and damage done to commercial property and buildings when a Midlands town was raided. Some bombs were dropped in various parts of south-east England. This morning's official communique does not mention any raids on London, but an agency report states that a dive-bombing attack was made on one area at- dawn today and that some houses were damaged. LONDON, October 24. I A communique issued by the Air Ministry and the Ministry of Home Security states: “A few enemy aircraft operating- singly crossed the coasts today. Bombs have been reported in the London area, Kent, Hampshire, and a country district in Somerset. Though full reports have not yet been received, it is known that some damage was done to dwelling-houses and industrial buildings in the London area and a small number of people were injured. At one town in Hampshire considerable damage was done to dwelling-houses, but there was only slight damage and few casualties. Oue enemy bomber was destroyed lasi night.” The Australian Associated Press states that inquiries throughout ! Britain reveal that air-raid casualties have shown a sudden substantial drop and were probably at their lowest last night since the “blitz” began. High-Hying raiders ' visited some of the northern centres early today, but no bombs I were dropped. The Air Ministry atiuouneed iliai a Dornier 17 was shot down by ;i spitfire on patrol over the English Uliaunei this morning. A large formation of enemy pl.'iiircrossed the south-east coast: this afternoon above clouds. Three heavy explosions were heard hirer in ruial areas. Five persons were killed when an explosion wrecked a cottage in l lie Home Counties. A baby was found alive on top of debris. A bomb damaged another Loudon church last night and blew out. valuable windows and practically demolished the vestry. Explosive and incendiary bombs were dropped in 10 districts in Scotland early this morning. The damage was slight and the casualties few. An Air Aiinistry report states that attacks on London and the Home Counties last night were not heavy, though some were killed and houses and shops were damaged. It was London’s 250th raid since the outbreak of war.

HOW D.F.C. WAS WON

Pilot From Canterbury (British .Oflicial Wireless.) RUGBY, October 21. Tlie .D.F.C. has been awarded to i Pilot Officer D. 11. AR’Arthur, aged 20. of Canterbury, New Zealand, and the D.F.AI. to Sergeant Alylod, aged 19. They were pilot and front gunner respectively of an aircraft which was detailed ,to carry out an attack on a target in the Ruhr one night this month. On the return Hight, and while slill over enemy territory. Pilot Officer -McArthur noticed an aircraft some distance ahead and below him which was caught in the beams of several searchlights. This aircraft then gave recognition signals, and the searchlights were extinguished. .McArthur decided to attack and put his aircraft into a steep dive. By his excellent shooting and judgment Sergeant Myloil shot down.the enemy plane in Hames with only four short bursts of lire. A lire caused by the wrecked aircraft was seen 30 miles away on the homeward flight. Pilot Officer AlcArtbur has now completed 35 major bombing operations, during which lie lias shown grim determination to carry out his instructions. Sergeant Mylod has taken part in seven major bombing missions and has shown great determination, initiative. and ga Ban try.

ATTACK ON WARSHIPS

Pilot Officer Gould’s Award An extract from ti notice concerning the award of the Distinguished FlyingCross to another New Zealander, Pilot Officer Alexander Herbert Gould, R.A.F., which was anounced last month, states: —“This officer was the pilot of an aircraft detailed io carry out a very low altitude attack ou warships in Wilhelmshaven Harbour one night in J uly, 1940. The attack was carried out in the face of a terrific barrage of anti-aircraft lire. On many previous occasions, Pilot Officer Gould has shown conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty and has always pressed home his attacks in the same fearless manner."

SECRET SESSION

Air-Raid Defences (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY. October 24. The House of Commons went into secret session to discuss air-raid defences. A statement was made by the Secretary of State for Air, Sir Archibald Sinclair.