MINES RELEASED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 24 December 1945, Page 2

MINES RELEASED

GALE IN ENGLISH CHANNEL EXPLOSIONS SHAKE COAST TOWNS ESCORT FOR ALL TROOPSHIPS London, Dec., 22. An escort of Naval motor launches and frigates will be given all troopships steaming through the mine alley off the Kent coast where scores of mines released during the recent-gales, are drifting, says the “Evening News.” The wind is still rising and extra look-outs have been posted on all ships. Wideflung sweeper patrols are chasing and destroying mines and coastal towns are being shaken by the explosions. A large mine was driven ashore opposite Walmer Castle, the official residence of Mr Churchill as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Efforts are being made to secure it before high water. Another big mine is 200 yards from the beach and drifting towards the sea defence works which are being built at Sandgate to protect the main coast road. Coastguards are patrolling ready for instant action if it drifts inshore. A Naval officer was killed when dealing with a mine near Bognor Regis. The force of the explosion was felt 10 miles inland. London, Dec., 21. Earlier ships and coast observers reported 21 mines adrift off the South Coast of England. The Air Ministry issued warning of a new gale in the Channel area. One mine washed up on ,the Hastings sea front m.i.’e necessary the diversion of traffic. Explosions can be heard along most of the South Coast as mines are blown up or exploded by Naval parties. MENACE AT SHOREHAM AND BRIGHTON (Rec. 11.15 aim.) London, Dec. 23. More mines were washed ashore at Shoreham harbour damaging the harbour wall and shattering seafront windows. Another menaced Brighton power station until a naval squad rendered it harmless. Others were reported afloat hear the cliffs east of Brighton. One which last night became lodged in the piles of Brightons’ west pier later broke away in heavy seas. Police awakened residents by the seafront last night and ordered them to leave their homes because of the menace from drifting mines which were later made harmless. Sightseers to-day found a number of mines scattered along the beach and another drifting inshore with the tide.