BRIDGE BLOWN UP
U.S. DIVE-BOMBERS RAIL LINK SEVERED leisurely" attack LONDON, May E. How the important double-track eight-span concrete railway bridge crossing the River Oise at Hirson, in France, was destroyed by Thunderbolt fighter-bombers is described in an official communique detailing air operations from Britain this evening. The Thunderbolts, after dive-bombing the bridge, remained over the target to watch the debris float down the river. The enemy put up neither fighters nor anti-'aircraft fire. The Thunderbolts’ pilots carried out the attack in leisurely fashion. The first attackers scored several hits and sent the middle span hurtling into the river. Then two pilots dived simultaneously on each end and deliberately planted their explosives under the spans adjoining the bank. There is nothing left of the bridge now.
In addition to this operation, Marauders, Havocs, Mitchells and Bostons, with Royal Air Force, Dominion and other fighter escorts, continued their attacks in northern France and Belgium in the evening.
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Bibliographic details
Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21400, 10 May 1944, Page 3
Word Count
156BRIDGE BLOWN UP Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21400, 10 May 1944, Page 3
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