WAR IN THE AIR

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17702, 31 January 1918, Page 5

WAR IN THE AIR

THE RAID ON LONDON. ATTACKS ON LONDON. A, and N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter. LONDON, January 29. The Press Bureau reports a further attack on London after midnight, bombs being dropped at 12-30 a.m. MOST PROLONGED RAID. ONE MACHINE BROUGHT DOWN LONDON, January 29. Many enemy aeroplanes were concerned in the raid, which was the most prolonged yet experienced. Tho first attack lasted two hours and a half and was renewed from three to four hours past midnight. Several machines penetrated the defences. British aviators sought to drive the enemy into anti-aircraft gunfire. Finally the enemy attempted to break off the fight, but were subjected to a severe anti-aircraft bombardment. British machines closely following the fleeing German's, brought down one. DETAILS OF THE RAIDS. A. and N.Z. Cablo Association and Reuter. (Received January 30, 5.15 p.m.) LONDON, January 29. Ar. official message savs:—Two group, of raiders crossed the Essex coast, and cno group crossed the Kent coast and proceeded towards Loudon.- The latter dropped bombs on the Isle of 'ilianet and Sheppey. They crossed tho estuary ot the Thames, approaching East London through Essex. About fifteen machines . participated in the attacks. Four or five reached the capital and bombed various districts. Later other aeroplanes crossed the Essex coast, one reaching London and dropping bombsTwo Flying Corps scouts, after a brief fight at close range, set fire to an enemy aeroplane over Essex, which fell in flames. The crew of three were turned to death. All our machines returned safely. (Received January 30, 9.45 p.m.) LONDON, January 29. In tho House of Commons Mr Mae pherson stated that seventy British aeroplanes ascended against the raid-' ers. About ten raiders reached London. Some of the casualties were due to crowding in the raid shelters. THE CASUALTIES. A. and N.Z. Cable -.Association and Rer.tet. (Received January 30, S.lo p.m.) LONDON, January 29An official message says that .the casualties in last night:s air raid were

All the casualties occurred in London with tho exception of one killed and seven injured The material damage was not serious.

THE GERMAN REPORT. A. end N.Z. Cablo Association end P.oir.s*. (Received January 30, 8.15 p.m.) LONDON, January 29. A wireless German official message says: Wo dropped bombs on London and Sheerness with good effect. ANOTHER RAID. BOMBS DROPPED ON OUTSKIRTS. OF CITY. A. end N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter. (Received January 31, 1.35 a.m.) LONDON, January 30. The Press Bureau reportsAeroplanes crossed the Essex and Kent coasts at 9.30 'last evening, but none were reported by the London defences. Bombs are reported to have been drop ped on the outskirts of the city. Tb' raid is still in progress.

Killed. Wounded. Men . . 14 93 Women . 17 59 Children . 1G 17 Totals . 47 169