GERMAN TUNES

Grey River Argus, 8 September 1939, Page 7

GERMAN TUNES

VISIT TO ENGLAND No Contact Made DRIVEN OFF FROM THE SOUTH-EAST COAST. LONDON, September 6. It is officially announced that enem, aircraft were reported near the Eas. Coast of England, early this morning, but they did not penetrate the British defence. An alarm was sounded in London from 6.42 a.m. until 9.2 a.m. N o plane., were seen, and no gunfire was heard. There was no sign of panic. People remained in the cellars for the first half-hour, after which they emerged and went to their offices. Transport was stopped, and people journeyed to the city on foot, carrying “lunch boxes” as the gas-masks have been nicknamed. GunfiJr and earth shocks were reporter from east and west of London Gunfire was heard and a shellburst was seen south-east of Ilford. An earlier unconfirmed report stated that the sound o f gunfire was audible along the Thames suggesting action in tin. vicinity of the Estuary. Gunfire on Ihe eastern horizon, was visible from London roof-tops last night. No damage is reported. SCENE OF THE INVASION OVER COUNTY OF KENT. LONDON, September 6. Twenty German air raiders were going towards London, when they were intercepted by gunfire, ana Spitfire machines. No damage is reported. The Ministry of Information later stated that anti-aircraft units and fighters repulsed the enemy bombers. It is reported that there was over Kent County a “dog-fight” between British and German planes, between the town of Chatham and Rochester, which are close to the Thames River. It is unofficially stated that German planes were seen and driven oif at Chatham. One British machine crashed, ana another was forced down. The puot of the first was wounded in the head. The pilot of the second commandeered a car, drove-to the air-port, reas cended, and re-engaged the enemy. If is that at Leith one of the German planes was brought down.

Truth About Raid KEPT BACK BY AUTHORITIES. ENEMY NOT DRIVEN AWAY. PRESS DEMANDS THE TRUTH. (Received September 7, 9 p.m.) LONDON, September 6. It is officially stated that contact was not made with the enemy reconnaissance ’planes on the East Coast of England this , morning. The enemy turned back. Some of the British aircraft who were returning were mistaken for the enemy causing the coastal batteries to open fire, and accounting for rumours of a heavy aerial engagement. The newspapers generally 'severely criticises the Ministry of Information for its failure to issue prompt and adequate accounts of the air raid to-day. The ‘’Daily Herald” says: “The mention of the number of ’planes, where they struck, and how they were turned back, would offer to the enemy no information which they have not already got !” The “Daily Mirror” asks that rumours should be killed by news. It says: “Tell us the truth !” The “News-Chronicle” issues a warning against delays in the publishing of facts. It says: “It,is bad for the morale of the country, as anyone who listened to the ’bus and train conversations yesterday must know.”

German Battleship REPORTED SUNK. BASLE, September 6. A radio broadcast heard here said that the German pocket-battleship Gneisenau was sunk by British raiding planes at Wilhelmshaven. It is not disclosed whether the broadcast referred to Monday’s Wilhelmshaven raid or a new one. Rush to Switzerland GERMAN AND FRENCH REFUGEES (Received September 8, 3 a.m.) BERNE, September 7. Switzerland has become a haven for thousands for non-belligerents fleeing from Germany and France, many of whom are trying to go to Italy. In an effort to stem the flood, the Swiss Government has ordered that all foreigners must have a visa, hitherto rarely required. Refugees at Lucerne, include exKing Alfonso of Spain, and Signor Toscanini, the conductor and composer. Those at Lausanne include M. Ignace Paderewski, the Polish composer and former President.

PARISIANS CHEERFUL. (Received September 8, 12.45 a.m.) PARIS, September 7. France spent a restful night without any air alarms. The city is bright and cheerful. The business of war is proceeding briskly. The people are not losing their sense of humour, despite the grim outlook. Evidence of this is seen in signs posted on numerous closed shops. One which is typical states: “Gone hunting. Return at the end of the season.” FINNISH BAN. (Received September 8, 1.25 a.m.) HELSINGFORS, September 7. Belligerent warships have been banned from Finland’s territorial waters and. the Aalahd Islands.