ATTACK VARIED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23830, 4 December 1940, Page 10

ATTACK VARIED

.WEST COAST TOWN FAIRLY HEAVY SCALE LITTLE DAYLIGHT ACTIVITY By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright LONDON. Dec. :l The raids on Britain last night were primarily directed against one town in the west of England. The Berlin radio states that the main German objective last night was the harbour of Bristol. A few bombs were dropped in other parts of England. The Air Ministry states that the ; attack against the town in the west began shortly after dark and continued on a somewhat heavy scale until shortly before midnight. A number of fires was started and considerable damage was caused to houses and public and commercial buildings. Some persons were killed and others injured, but according to reports received so far the number was not: large. Other Districts Attacked Bombs were also dropped in the early part of the night in East Anglia, South Wales and a few points elsewhere, continues the Air Ministry report. Little damage was done and casualties were few, although some people were killed. An attack against a south-west town began early on Monday evening. Flares were dropped, followed by incendiary and high-explosive bombs. Some premises were hit and damage is reported in several districts. I Another south-west town was raided for the seventh successive night. No bombs were dropped, as the attackers were driven off by fierce ground lire. Children's Hospital Hit In one town in the south-west, a .children's hospital was hit by a bomb, but the patients were moved out safely. London had no alert during the night. An Air Ministry communique states that there was only slight enemy activity over Britain during daylight on Monday. A number of enemy fighters and fighter-bombers during the morning flew in over the coast, but were turned j back by British fighters over Kent. No bombs so far are reported to have been dropped. Two enemy lighters were shot down. One Royal Air Force fighter was lost, but the pilot is safe. A dense log and low, unbroken cloud blotted out the Straits of Dover on Monday night. There was a, cold northeasterly wind and a calm sea. GUNS OPPOSITE DOVER THE INVASION MENACE DANGER NOT YET PASSED LONDON, Nov. 20 Systematic increase in the array of ; long-range guns which the Germans are j installing on the French coast opposite ; Dover leads naval authorities to insist I that the invasion danger has not passed. The object of the guns, it is believed, is to "box" an area along the English coast, where troops might later be landed. Yesterday, for the fifth successive day, the Germans shelled Dover, apparently testing the newest line of ! guns. Opening up in brilliant sunshine dur- j ing the afternoon, the batteries on the | French coast fired at the Dover area j for 40 minutes. There were no casualties j and the damage was slight. Meanwhile, storms have washed up j another variety of Hitler's invasion j craft. It is a huge raft, with high, sloping sides, supported by large metal j cylinders, and fitted with tow-ropes and I iron rings. It is capable of carrying 50 j men. An E-boat (motor torpedo-boat) could tow a number of such rafts, provided it did not travel fast. The rafts could carry a number of horses, also light artillery, but would be incapable of transporting tanks or heavy guns. Naval experts point out that there is usually a calm in the Channel before December 21, when j short days, with bad visibility, following long nights, might be highly favourable for attacking forces.

DEATH IN OTTAWA MINISTER OF TRANSPORT LONDON, Dec. 3 The death occurred in Ottawa yesterday of the Canadian Minister of Trans- ! port, Colonel G. I. Smart. PRESIDENT'S TOUR AMERICAN DEFENCE BASES WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 | President. Roosevelt, has left for a ; secret destination in Florida, where he wili bonivl tins I .S.S. Tnscn loosn for nn inspection of the. Caribbean defences, and possibly also some of the bases recently acquired from Britain. ITALIANS' DIET RATIONING OF SPAGHETTI LONDON, Dec. 2 Spaghetti, floui and rice are rationed in Italy, states a. report Irom Rome, rim total monthly allowance is hlb. Restaurants are not permitted to serve spaghetti on Fee, days and Saturdays. BRITISH PRISONERS STARVING IN GERMANY OTTAWA, Nov. 2fi In guarded and indirect ways, British prisoners of war in Germany have conveyed the information to relatives that they are starving. The Canadian Parcels Committee is j prepared to send JO.OOO parcels a week il the German Government will supply the prisoners' addresses. It says that German prisoners in Canada admit they are getting better food than they ever received at home.