TERRIFIC ONSLAUGHT

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 156, 30 December 1940, Page 8

TERRIFIC ONSLAUGHT

DOZENS OF FIRES

SOUTH-WEST VISITED

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright, l

(Received December 30, noon.)

LONDON, December 29.

The Germans immediately after dark tonight launched a most terrific onslaught against London. Thousands of incendiary bombs were rained over all parts of the capital and dozens of fires are blazing and illuminating the streets. Hundreds of high-explosive bombs were also dropped. The "blitz" reached tremendous proportions, continuing until 8.15 p.m.

A raid on a south-western town last night was the town's 240 th raid and left hundreds of people homeless. Over twenty fires were raging simultaneously, but all were controlled. Nine bodies have been recovered from the debris of two houses. All the .shops, which totalled 60, in one street were damaged by fire or blast. A crowded bus was hit by an incendiary bomb, but the passengers scrambled out before the bus became a huge blaze. Incendiary bombs were scattered over such a wide area that cottages were set on fire some miles from the town.

On Saturday night Londoners enjoyed a quiet time with no raid, but a south-west town was not so fortunate, successive waves of planes dropping bombs for over an hour. Two hospitals were hit and four persons injured. Many premises were shattered in the shopping area. A cinema was set on fire and six cottages adjoining each j other were demolished. The total j casualties were comparatively small. (British Official Wireless.) (Received December 30, 12.40 p.m.) RUGBY, December 29. This evening's Air Ministry and Ministry of Home Security communique states: "There has been some slight enemy activity over this country during daylight today. Bombs were dropped on a town on the Suffolk coast this morning and on two towns on the Kent coast this afternoon. Some houses were damaged but no casualties are reported. Bombs were also dropped at a place in north-west England. A small number of people were killed and others injured."