SIXTEEN ENEMY AEROPLANES RAID EAST COAST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16559, 7 June 1917, Page 5

SIXTEEN ENEMY AEROPLANES RAID EAST COAST.

ENGAGED BY BRITISH GUNS AND AIRMEN.

TWO OF THE RAIDING AEROPLANES BROUGHT DOWN. Australian and N.Z. Cable. (Received 11.20 p.m.) LONDON. June 6. Enemy aeroplanes this evening dropped bombs in the country and on small towns in Essex, and attacked a naval establishment in the Medway. Considerable damage was caused to house property, but the naval and military damage was negligible. The enemy lost two ' machines, and the remainder made off seawards. The casualties so far reported are two persons killed, two dangerously wounded, and 27 wounded. It is estimated that 16 aeroplanes took part in the raid. Most of them were Taubes, and they flew at a great height, dropping explosives of high force. Anti-aircraft guns and British aviators hotly engaged the enemy aeroplanes, one of which dropped into the sea. Crowds watched the thrilling air battle. The weather conditions favoured the enemy air fleet, which flew at a great altitude, seeking to penetrate inland under cover of light clouds. The enemy were quickly spotted, and British aeroplanes engaged them in co-operation with the land batteries. The defences were sufficient. The German aeroplanes penetrated only a few miles, dropped bombs and fled at high speed.