1000 ENEMY MACHINES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 263, 4 October 1940, Page 8

1000 ENEMY MACHINES

TRY TO REACH CENTRAL LONDON. R.A.F. MASTER SITUATION. (United Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 2 There have been many astonishing happenings in the daylight attacks against Britain, but none more remarkable than to-day. Within a few hours enemy machines totalling nearly 1000 desperately attempted to reach Central London. Great waves followed one another at short intervals and sought by sheer weight of numbers to overwhelm the defences. They were routed ignominiously.

The alarm was sounded six times between breakfast and late afternoon. Our fighters were never more brilliant. Time after time they broke up _the formations. There was nothing like this whirlwind lighting in and around Tondun since the blitzkrieg began. It opened in a clear blue sky, and U was soon evident the Germans weio intent on one of the war’s greatest at tacks. Swarms began to cross the coast sometimes 250 strong. 'there was nothing haphazard about, the reception of the Spitfires and Hurricanes, which were lar outnumbered. They were waiting inland at a great height anu began to nibble furiously at the edges ol the German formations. A great majority of the Germans left no doubt that they wisheu to avoid a close battle.

Some Germans managed to reach the inner area, but time alter time the invaders were broken up and driven off.

The fighting continued at intervals at enormous heights all day long as tresn phalanxes tried to batter their way to London.

The extent of the bombing had little relation to the numbers sent over. The K.A.F. ended the day complete masters of the situation.