THE HAMBURG RAID

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 203, 28 July 1942, Page 2

THE HAMBURG RAID

3.45 P.M. EDITION

GREAT DESTRUCTION

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Ilea 1.30 p.m.) RUGBY, July 27. Hamburg, which was the target for last night's great raid, is at the present stage of the war probably the most important target in all Germany. The importance of the city to the Germans is made apparent by the defence system, which is stated by experts to be the best in Germany.

The present full moon ; states the Air Ministry News Servjce, is the first since the spring when the nights have been long enough to bring Hamburg within range of a heavy raid. Last night's destructive attack came as the climax of a week's heavy bombing. The earlier raids, with Duisburg as tbe main 'target, were in poor weather, but last night there was no cloud at all and the crews were able to make the most of the moonlight. After reading the reports on the raid from all the bomber groups, Air-Marshal Harris sent his message to the crews congratulating them on their magnificent effort against Hamburg, and stating that their work during the past week would long be remembered by Germany. The losses for the week's raiding against such well defended areas had not been heavy, when they wore considered as a whole.

The attack on Hamburg began just before 1 a.m. and after the first two waves of bombers had dropped their loads of incendiaries much of the old town was on fire. There were fires all round Aussen Alstcr Lake and many in the dock area. Pillars of black smoke rose, hut as it did not drift over the town the target was clear for the last wave, which was fully loaded with high explosives, including the 40001 b bombs. The fires continued to spread and the last crews to leave saw them burning long after they had left the target.

Since 9 . a.m. to-day there has been very little enemy air activity over Britain. Bombs dropped near the const in East Anglia caused slight damage and a few casualties. The first German bomber they had ever seen was shot into the sea tonight by two Canadian sergeantpilots of the Fighter Command, states the Air Ministry. Flying Spitfires they spotted a Ju.BB when about 60 miles from land. One of them attacked from dead astern, the other from the side. One of the Canadians is only 39 years old. Ho joined the K.A.F. straight from school.—Official "Wireless. A London cable states that the raid on Hamburg was the biggest yet over Germany, excepting the three 1000-bomber raids. Berlin has officially stated that the Hamburg attack caused heavy civilian losses. Many buildings were destroyed, especially in the residential quarters.