Enemy Plane Over Sydney; Fled Before Ack-Ack

Northern Advocate, 20 February 1943, Page 3

Enemy Plane Over Sydney; Fled Before Ack-Ack

(Rec. neon.) SYDNEY, This Day. Anti-aircraft guns opened fire on an aeroplane over Sydney area last night. At the first round the plane immediately turned and flew out to sea. The plane, according to an official apparently came from a submarine off the coast. It was first sighted over the Port Kembla area. Sirens sounded an alert in both centres, and lights were quickly blacked out. People everywhere were calm. With the sounding of the “all clear’’ the following official statement was made by Major-General A. C. Fewtrell, G.C.C., New South Wales Lines of Communication area: Official Report “Early in the evening an enemy plane, apparently from a submarine, was located moving westwards towards the coast. Stand-by warnings were issued by Sydney Metropolitan and Kembla area, and later, when the plane was in the vicinity of the latter area, a blackout was ordered. At a later stage an aeroplane was discovered over the metropolitan area, and an anti-aircraft battery opened fire. On the first round being fired at the plane, it immediately turned and flew out to sea.

“In view of the fact that planes from submarines can carry bombs, it was decided not to remove the blackout until a later hour. At about midnight, it was decided to lift the blackout in both areas." Mr. Curtin’s Warning

The Prime Minister (Mr. Curtin), at Canberra, subsequently made the following statement: “The official statement has described what happened. But what happened is itself an indication of how the enemy is spreading himself, and of the constant menace hanging over this country. It is plain that the enemy has seaborne aircraft, and no part of Australia is immune from this type of attack. These planes are known to be capable of carrying bombs, as well as carrying out reconnaissance. Not only do they threaten shipping but also cities. Every Citizen Should Stick to Post “On this occasion, the defence organisation was found to be in perfect order, because the forces responsible were at their posts. There is a post for every citizen in this war, and every citizen should stick to it."

Sydney’s Second Alert

Last night's warning of an enemy aeroplane overhead was Sydney’s second experience of an alert. Last June an enemy submarine had fired shells on the eastern seaside suburbs. Although people received something of a shock, there was no suggestion of agitation. Many went to public air raid shelters or to backyard slit trenches, dug more than 12 months ago. But still greater numbers stood in the street, apparently awaiting some tangible outcome from the warning. Some were in night attire. Lights in the city and suburbs were quickly blacked out, and within five minutes of the alert being sounded the blackout was most extensive. Radio Stations Off the Air

Just before the alert all radio stations suddenly went off the air.

A special broadcast, marking the first anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Darwin, which included a speech by the Federal Treasurer (Mr Chifley) was interrupted with the announcement that stations were closing down in the interests of national security. Most city theatre entertainments were almost over when the alarm sounded. Warnings were flashed on film screens. At some theatres patrons left in an orderly fashion by emergency exits. At others patrons asked •for shows to be completed and waited until the end.

Harbour Transport Interrupted

Transport iwas interrupted. Ferries on Sydney Harbour made for the nearest wharf and tied up. Trams stopped running. Home-going crowds made tentative efforts at community singing, but soon’ abandoned it in favour of conversation. Clockwork Precision

Sydney’s GO,OOO wardens had every post manned within minutes of warning and the National Emergency Service Minister (Mr. Heffron) stated subsequently: “Organisation appeared to work with clock-like precision.’’ All Sydney police were called on duty, many of them from bed.' Squads of police were kept ready for emergencies at all stations, and patrols were strengthened. No restrictions were placed on the use of telephones, nvhich were kept extraordinarily busy during and after the alert.

Minor Mishaps

Only two accidents were reported in the black-out. A warden fell, gashing his head, while a woman had a heart attack. At Newcastle, the stand-by warning was observed, but the city was not blacked out.