MOCK AIR RAID

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23302, 21 September 1937, Page 9

MOCK AIR RAID

MANOEUVRES IN BERLIN STREETS EMPTY QUICKLY PEOPLE DASH TO REFUGES (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) BERLIN, Sept. 20. (Received Sept. 21, at 0.30 a.m.) The most realistic air raid manoeuvres yet held in Europe were opened in Berlin while the citizens were at breakfast. Sirens screamed out and warning planes appeared, flying low under a leaden sky. The din of anti-aircraft guns and the crash of “ bombs ” was deafening. The streets were empty almost instantly. As trams and buses stopped people dashed to the nearest refuges and those having breakfast in their homes were obliged to dash down into cellars. Ambulances rushed imaginary wounded to hospitals. The police took names off all those who did not comply with the orders to take refuge. It was announced that the Ministry of Propaganda had been burnt down and most of the officials killed. The Hotel Kaiserhof opposite the Chancellery caught fire and fire brigades were called to the spot. Air protection squads rushed up to fight the flames. The manoeuvres will be continued every week. Every light must be extinguished each night and even hospitals must carry out operations behind darkened windows. Although the Government stresses the importance of carrying on the normal life of the city., restaurants and kinemas expect serious losses as the people are reluctant to grope their way in pitch black streets, in which they are prohibited even from striking a match.