POUNDING CONTINUES

Evening Star, Issue 25172, 11 May 1944, Page 5

POUNDING CONTINUES

AIR BLITZ ON' EUROPE BERLIN INCLUDED IN TARGETS ENGLISH COAST SHAKEN BY CROSSCHANNEL EXPLOSIONS (Rec. 10 a.m.) LONDON, May 10. It.A.F. bombers in strength pounded vital targets in France last night. An Air Ministry communique reports attacks on military objectives along the French coast, an aero engine foundry and stamping plant at Gennevilliers, a suburb of Paris, .and a ball-bearing works-at Annecy. A force of Mosquitoes attacked Berlin. Mines were laid in enemy waters. Seven, bombers are missing. . . The Exchange Telegraphs aviation correspondent saj's that the R.A.F. launched another terrific attack shortly before 4 a.m. to-day. A bombardment shook, the- south-east coast districts after waves of heavy bombers were heard crossing the Straits. It is believed that a concentrated attack was made in the Cape Gris Nez area. The bombing was even heavier than earlier in the night. One eye-witness said he could feel the* blast from the bombs across the Channel, the hot air hitting him in the face. The Mosquitoes' attack on Berlin last night was one of the swiftest ever made on the German capital, says the Air Ministry news service. Many 4,0001 b bombs were dropped. The crews reported that the night was clear, and they could see all the distinctive landmarks of the city. The ground, guns opened up, but Jhe Mosquitoes were in and out befofe the guns could get the range. t '. '

A very rapid attack was also made on Gennevilliers, where the boriilbing was well concentrated. After fires were started a series of explosions occurred in the works/ Late crews found the whole target enveloped in smoke. A considerable number of' heavy anti-air-craft guns defended this important target. Lancasters and Halifaxes attacked a factory at Annecy. The target was clearly identified. The whole factory appeared on" fire. Photographs made during yesterday's attacks on Western Europe by United States heavy bombers indicate good results on the three marshalling yards and seven or eight aerodromes attacked. Three concentrations of high explosives were put into the marshalling yards at Thionville, and .at Luxemburg there was heavy damage to rolling stock and engine roundhouses. At Liege a: concentration of bombs fell across the sorting sidings and also hit carriage and repair shops, while a second concentration hit locomotive sheds and repair shops. Heavy damage was also done to power plant. The attacks on aerodromes resulted in the destruction of a number of hangars - and damage to runways and dispersal areas.