LONDON’S DEFENCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 197, 22 July 1931, Page 7

LONDON’S DEFENCE.

MOCK AERIAL BATTLE. VITAL CENTRES OF CAPITAL. LONDON, July 21. Winged raiders from the enemy country, “Blueland,” swept toward London, tlie capital of “Redland,” the destruction of which they, plotted. In a steady downpour of rain and in dulled, evening skies, the raiders advanced in three groups of two bombing squadrons apiece, each comprising nine machines. Fifty-four aeroplanes thus menaced England’s heart,' but .London was instantly alert, scores of defensive fighters soaring skyward and joining fiercely in the combat. The vital centres were the reservoir on the Hackney Marshes, the destruction of which would cause London to perish of thirst, and the West India Docks, which are crowded with foodstuffs, supplying provender lest street-bred people should die. The Duke of York’s Barracks at Chelsea was a strategic military strong-point. The issue must remain undecided until the morning

ATTACK AND DEFENCE. R.A.F. MANOEUVRES. A recent message in an Australian paper stated: More than 300 aeroplanes will be engaged in the attack and defence of London during the Air Force manoeuvres from July 20 to 26. The attackers will include a' nine-ton Handley-Page-Napier bomber, which will attempt a daytime penetration against' a defending force of Interceptor 220 m.p,h, fighters. During the night hours the bombers will operate painted a greenish-brown, making them practically invisible in the night sky, in an endeavour to penetrate the ring of searchlights surrounding London.