ANOTHER BID TO FIRE LONDON

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 124, 21 February 1944, Page 5

ANOTHER BID TO FIRE LONDON

Greatest Since 1941

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright* (Received February 20, 7 p.m.) LONDON, February 19.

The Germans last night failed to set London ablaze in. their greatest bid since the big raids of 1940-41. It was the fiercest “scalded cat” raid the capital has yet experienced, and was carried out by more planes than usual. Masses of incendiaries and some high-explosives were dropped in many districts in the London area, damaging hospitals,’ churches, schools, shops and houses. The capital at one time was ringed by fires, but the firefighting organization, rose splendidly to the occasion and within a short time after the attack had practically every fire under control.Casualties, a number of which were fatal, were reported. Rescue parties today are still searching for those trapped in ruins. Guns right round the London area sent up a thunderous barrage, and the raiders attempted to smash through the shell-packed sky from all points oE the compass. The guns roared incessantly, and the raideis dropped their loads over widely scattered districts as they ran into the barrage. Numerous flares turned night into day as three'waves of raiders came in just after midnight. Our night fighters also went into action. One of London's most popular shopping centres was hit when high-explosives fell, in the mews at the rear of the shops. The mews contains several garages, which caught fire and blazed furiously. A. search is going on for persons who it is feared were trapped in the wreckage of the mews. Little hone is held for five persons trapped when a high-explosive bomb wrecked two houses and extensively damaged many others. A high-explosive shell which fell in a roadway, hit a gas main from which ihe flames spouted like an erunting volcano. Time bombs vvere also dropped in the same area. Three were killed and o'hers buried when highexplosive bqmbs demolished a number of houses. Seven people are believed to have been trapped in the wreckage of some flats above a block of shops which were destroyed. A high-explosive bomb landed directly on a home for the aged, killing and injuring several of the inmates. , . , , A labour exchange was completely demolished by a direct hit in the same district. The Berlin radio says: “Thousands of high-explosive bombs were dropped on London, and German ' reconnaissance planes early today observed large fires from afar, which were still out of control. Seven planes failed to return from the raid.”

OFFICIAL REPORT

About 50 To 60 Enemy Planes Involved (British Official Wireless.) (Received February 20, 7 p.m.) RUGBY, February 19. Early on Saturday morning there was enemy activity over East Anglia, Southeast England, and in the London area. Bonibs were dropped at several places. Damage was caused and casualties have been reported, chiefly in London. At least three of the enemy bombers were destroyed over their bases on the Continent by our intruders. The raid was rather heavier than usual, with more planes reaching the London area. According to Press reports, between ol> and 60 raiders cressed the coast.