The Northern Advocate Daily “NORTHLAND FIRST” Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1940. Britain's Preparedness

Northern Advocate, 13 September 1940, Page 4

The Northern Advocate Daily “NORTHLAND FIRST” Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1940. Britain's Preparedness

fN the course of his inspiring address to the nation yesterday, _ Mr. Churchill, referring to Hitler, said “this wicked man, the repository and embodiment of many forms of soul-destroying i hatred, has now resolved to try to break our famous island race by a process of indiscriminate slaughter and destruction, but little does he know the spirit of the British nation, or of the tough fibre of Londoners, bred to value their freedom far above j their lives.”

This statement provided the key to the Prime Minister’s confidence that Hitler’s attempts to destroy London would fail. Today’s news suggests that Mr. Churchill did not speak boastfully, for we are told that the adoption of new technique has successfully countered the German Air Force’s attacks on central London. The battle of London was resumed yesterday, and continued during the night, but it is officially reported that the enemy attacks failed so far that casualties were smaller than during previous raids and less damage to property was done.

This was ' the result of new tactics by the anti-aircraft defences. It appears that immediately the invaders arrived in the vicinity of London a terrific barrage of shells was commenced, and this was continued throughout the night, making it impossible for more than two or three planes to get through. The consequence was reduction of casualties and damage to a degree which made the Germans’ raid a very costly adventure.

Londoners who spent the night in shelters, were unable to sleep, owing to the deafening din of gunfire, but they significantly declared that the noise was as music compared with the bomb explosions which marked previous raids. They realised, they said, that they were safe behind friendly gunfire.

’Phis may be accepted as further evidence that Britain is not only ready to stand up to any trial to which she may be subjected by invaders, but is able to return blow for blow—and with deadlier effect.

This constitutes ground for confidence at a time when, as Mr Churchill has warned the nation, Germany may launch an invasion effort at any moment. It is good to know that the hearts of Britishers and the nation’s means of defence are strong and unshaken, for, should Hitler attempt to put into practice his plans for the invasion of England, there must necessarily occur a titantic struggle.

Of the result of this struggle there is little doubt, for not only has Britain been playing havoc with Hitler’s concentrations of transports in harbours in France, thus upsetting his . carefully prepared plans in many respects, but the British island itself is bristling with defences, in and men, against which invaders would beat in vain should they succeed in escaping the naval and aircraft ready to smash transports when they put to sea.

However, while there is reason to believe that invasion cannot be accomplished, it is clear as sunlight that the utmost vigilance and determination must be exercised if Britain is to remain free and unpolluted by German feet.

It is well that Mr Churchill should have reminded the people of Britain of the peril which will continue until Nazism is broken, and there is no doubt that they will be ready for any challenge which Hitler may thrown down to the island race.