Heavy Attacks on Norwegian Dromes

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 108, 8 May 1941, Page 7

Heavy Attacks on Norwegian Dromes

FRENCH ENEMY BASE BLASTED Received Wednesday, 9.20 p.m. LONDON, May 7, Coastal Command Blenheims during last night attacked aerodromes near Stavanger in Norway, says the Air Ministry News Service. High explosives and incendiaries were dropped on both aerodromes. The squadron-leader who led the raid opened the proceedings by starting two big fires among aerodrome buildings. Other members of his squadron followed him in and caused further havoc. When the crew of one aircraft arrived they saw ono hangar burning fiercely and promptly set fire to another. A few moments after they had dropped their bombs there was a further heavy explosion. Other aircraft of the Coastal Command bombed the French port of St. Nazaire for the second night in succession. Heavy bombs burst directly on the docks and naval workshops and on the railway depot. Three of the enemy raiders destroyed last night were shot down by one fighter squadron. Two were destroyed within the space of two hours by a squad-ron-leader who is the holder of a D.F.C. This pilot now has 12 victories to his credit, ten of which were during the daj r time.

The squadron-leader who shot down a Messerschmitt-111 into the sea off Northern Ireland was attacked by two other enemy bombers after the victory. He evaded the fire, however, and landed safely.

One of the night’s victories was gained by a New Zealand flight-lieuten-ant. The raider attacked was a Heinkel which was sent diving to destruction with its tail blazing. Another night fighter pilot operating over an enemy aerodrome in northern France saw eight .German bombers preparing to land. He singled out one and raked it with fire. It was suddenly lit up by an orange explosion. By the glare he recognised it as a Heinkel-111. It broke up and fell. On the way home the pilot bombed another aerodrome. Altogether 50 raiders have been destroyed over Britain in six nights. Two were brought down by a New Zealand pilot to-night.