RAIDS ON ENEMY

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1940, Page 5

RAIDS ON ENEMY

A BIG BAG

22 ENEMY PLANES FOR DAY,

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(Received this day at 12.30 p.m.)

LONDON, July 12,

It was officially announced at midnight that thirteen German bombers, eight fighters and one seaplane were destroyed in operations throughout the day on the British coast. Many others were so seriously damaged that it was unlikely- they* would reach their bases.

Our total lossscs were four fighters, but two of the pilots are known to be safe. (This amends the figures reported earlier). WIDESPREAD OPERATIONS. (Received this day at 10.50 a.m.). RUGBY, July 11. The Air Ministry communique states: Aircraft of the Coastal Command, while on patrol in the Channel, accounted for an enemy float ’plane. In the course of the day, R.A.F. bombers attacked military objectives in France and the Low Countries. Aerodromes, concentrations of barges, and other targets were bombed. One of our aircraft is missing. Yesterday our bombers delivered a daylight, attack on the aerodromes of St. Omor. and Amiens. Five of our aircraft failed to return. In addition, an aircraft of the Coastal Command was lost on patrol. RAID ON BOULOGNE. (Received this day at 11.45 a.m.). RUGBY, July 11. Five enemy aircraft are believedly destroyed and others severely damaged, in a dawn raid on Boulogne aerodrome, this morning, by medium R.A.F. bombers. Sleet and rain enabled the raiders to dive, drop their bombs and get clear before anti-aircraft- defences could open fire. A number of hits with high explosives along one side of the aerodrome were made. In a second attack, ten minutes later, a concentration of some 20 enemy aircraft was bombed. ITALIAN CASUALTES. ROME, July 11. Is is officially stated that 76 aviators h-avo been killed in action ( 75 arc missing, and 103 were wounded, since the outbreak of war. BRENNER PASS DAMAGED. LUCERNE, July 10. The Swiss railways announce that traffic in the Brenner Pass is interrupted. It is believed that British bombers seriously damaged the singletrack line.