Germans Violently Shell Dover

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 102, 1 May 1941, Page 8

Germans Violently Shell Dover

FIERCE ACTION WAGED ACROSS STRAITS United Press Association—By OTectrlo Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, April 29. A violent action was waged across the Straits of Dover to-day. German shelling cif the Dover area continued throughout the whole morning, and the indications were that the R. A.F. was busy on the other side. Big explosions, apparently from bombs, were seen at Cap Gris Nez, and great columns of yellowish smoke rose from Calais harbour. The shelling lasted from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but damage from the whole bombardment was negligible, being confined to cottages. Most of the shells were high-explosive splinter shells, which burst in mid-air with a terrific flash, scattering heavy splinters over a wide area. The bombardment was the heaviest since last autumn. Two civilian men and one soldier were the only casualties. They were cut by glass when a shell splinter smashed the windscreen of a lorry in which they were riding. British long-range guns replied this afternoon. The Berlin news agency stated that an important military objective near Dover was the target of to-day’s bombardment. There has been little enemy air activity over Britain No bombs are reported to have been dropped. Portsmouth Blitzed (Rec. 30, 12.45) LONDON, April 29. Raiders, coming over in waves, heavily attacked Portsmouth last night, dropping first incendiary and oil bombs and then high-explosives and flares. The ground defences put up an intensive barrage. Plymouth also was attacked. It is confirmed that three enemy bombers were shot down by anti-air-craft fire during the raid on Plymouth. This is in addition to a bomber announced as having been destroyed by British fighters, and makes a total of four enemy aircraft destroyed during the night. One of the bombers shot down by anti-aircraft guns at Plymouth crashed into the sea only 200 yards from the shore. Berlin announces that the Luftwaffe last night attacked Portsmouth, Great Yarmouth, and Peterlvad. In announcing the declaration of an evacuation area in Plymouth, the Ministry of Health states: “The question was considered last summer, and the Ministry did not feel that the step ought to be taken in view of the heavy pressure on the reception areas. But the Minister himself visited Plymouth on March 24 shortly after the first of the recent air attacks on the city. The question was then discussed on the spot, and it was agreed that it was not necessary or desirable to take action. “The authorities responsible locally have now requested that Plymouth should be made an evacuation area, and arrangements are being made to remove school children to the number of about 10,000 from the areas affected as quickly as possible.” This decision places Plymouth in the same category as London and similar places regarded by the Luftwaffe as desirable targets. The evacuation refers, of course, only to children of school age and women with young children.