NIGHT OF HORROR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 27, 31 December 1940, Page 6

NIGHT OF HORROR

COMBING/ OF LONDON. GREAT FLOOD OF PROJECTILES. (United Press Association —Copyright) (Rec. 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 30. R.A.F. fighters last night battled with, the German planes which subjected one area of London to an intense attack and one of the greatest fireraising raids since the outbreak of the war. Serious damage in this area was caused by a number of fires. Some burned tor hours after the “raiders passed” signal had sounded. Churches, hospitals, and commercial premises were the targets of the Luftwaffe, which left part of London overhung with great palls of smoke as building after building, went up in flames. An army of firemen, wardens, workers, and civilian volunteers battled with the thousands of incendiary bombs showered on the district, but as fast as they overcame one batch the air was filled with the swish and crackle of more “Molotov breadbaskets,” dozens of which were dropped m about half an hour.

The fighters appeared to have saved at least one area from many explosives, of which remarkably tew were dropped. . ~ . London roof watchers proved then worth as never beiore. 'the buildings in this district which had spotters and their own personnel were soon freed of the incendiary bombs without damage. The spotters also did valuable work in directing the firemen to the fire bombs on roofs hidden from tlie 'streets. , Regular and auxiliary firemen braved the intense heat and falling walls. Many had miraculous escapes, and others died at their jobs, and some were killed and injured when buddings collapsed.