GERMAN AIR-RAIDS

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 October 1939, Page 7

GERMAN AIR-RAIDS

SCOTTISH ATTEMPTS FAIL THREE ’PLANES BROUGHT DOWN [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] ■■ I (Recd. October 17, 10.45 a.m.) RUGBY, October 16. The Air Ministry announced that German aircraft attempted to attack coastal objectives in Scotland, this afternoon. The R.A.F. engaged the raiders, and it is understood that at least three German bombers were brought down, one in the Filth oi Forth and two in Fifeshire, as a result of anti-aircraft action. The Ministry of Home Security has announced that reports to date indicate no civilian casualties, and no damage to property. The raiders approached at a great height, and were hotly engaged by anti-aircraft guns. No bombs were dropped on land, though some are believed to have fallen, in the sea. Of one crew of four, one was drowned, and two were found to have been killed by bullets. The fourth man was rescued alive, with an injured arm. - , . , . Three of the crew of another German raider, which came down in the Pentland Hills, were taken prisoner.

IN WAVES OF THREE.

(Received October 17, 12.10 p.m.) LONDON, October IG. The raids lasted two hours, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The planes came in waves of three. Although, so far as is ascertainable, there were no direct hits on objectives, there was some damage from shrapnel. . . Anti-aircraft guns around Edinburgh went into action shortly after 2 p.m. The weather was fine, and the shellbursts, high in the sky, were clearly visible. 'Firing was particularly heavy over the 1 Firth of Forth, where there was also much aerial activity, and south from the city, towards the Pentland Hills. PLANE OVER EDINBURGH. (Received October 17, 12.40 p.m.) LONDON, October 16. • The sirens were not sounded. Reports from several parts of the city stated that pieces', of shrapnel were picked up .in the streets. There was much aerial activity over the northern district of Edinburgh. . Three planes flew low, and disappeared. behind the /hills. Then the anti-aircraft guns fired. Soon afterwards, a twin-engined machine flew low over the city. It was clearly identified as German. A salvo of shells followed the plane, towards the Pentland Hills. When last observed, a number ot British fighters were following it. It was later reported that it fell into the sea, near the coast. _ One report said the. raid .occuired in the region of the Forth Bridge and Rosyth. No bombs struck the bridge. OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. THIRTY-FIVE CASUALTIES. (Received October 17, 1.15 p.m.) LONDON, October 16. The Admiralty, the Air Ministry, and the Ministry of Home Security, in a joint communique, stated: —

To-day’s air-raids, directed at ships in the Firth of Forth, were conducted by about a dozen, machines. No serious damage was done to any ships. There were three casualties on the cruiser Southampton,- seven on the cruiser Edinburgh, and 25 on the destroyer Mohawk. FURTHER DETAILS GIVEN. (Recd. October 17, 2.20 p.m.) LONDON, October 16. ■ Four German planes were brought down out of a total of between 12 and 14, three by the R.A.F., and one otherwise. There were no R.A.F. casualties. A communique explains that the casualties on the Southampton and Edinburgh ;were caused by splinters. A bomb glanced off the Southampton, causing slight damage near the how, and sinking the Admiral’s barge, also a pinnace. A bomb fell near the Mohawk. The first contact between the Royal Air Force and the raiders was made off May Island, at the entranre to the Firth of Forth, at 2.35 p.m., when two enemy planes were driven down within a few feet of the watei', and chased out to sea. At 2.45 p.m., another enemy aircraft was engaged over Dalkeith, and fell in flames into the sea. VESSELS READY FOR SEA (Recd. Oct. 17, 2.20 p.m.). LONDON, October 16. A sharp combat took place off Grail. The second raider crashed into the sea. The third German machine was destroyed in a pursuit. A destroyer rescued two German aviators, one of whom has since died. •Referring to the bomb which fell on the Southampton, a communique says: “This is the first hit that German aircraft have made during the war upon a British ship.” The Mohawk suffered only superficial damage, and is, like the other vessels, ready for sea.