THE AIR EXERCISES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23885, 12 August 1939, Page 13

THE AIR EXERCISES

EASTLAND BOMBERS SERIES OF HOSTILE RAIDS GOOD WORK BY OBSERVERS (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, Aug. 10. The official account of the air exercises states that soon after 10 a.m. the Eastland bombers made a series of raids over the east coast between The Wash and the Thames Estuary, making use of the comparatively fair weather in that area. A large formation of hostile bombers advanced up the Thames, passed over the Isle of Thanet, and then split in sub-formation. One section flew to Maidstone and the other made for South London. Both raids were engaged by air defenders. Another raiding formation crossed the coast north of Skegness, narrowly escaping a fighter patrol. A hostile formation which crossed the coast over Marblethorpe and went on to Louth encountered fighter patrols and were turned back over Lincoln, where they were engaged by anti-aircraft batteries. At 10.30 a.m. the raiders crossed the coast at Sheringham, making for Norwich, but they were intercepted. A small raid was made near Harwich, but it was short-lived, as fighter patrols and anti-aircraft guns were active.

Towards mid-day the weather again deteriorated. There were clouds from 100 ft to 1000 ft, and the visibility was sometimes as low as 1000 yards, while rain was continuous.

Despite the bad weather and poor visibility, several bomber formations completed their raids without detection by fighter patrols. The Weather, however, made things difficult for fighters and bombers alike.

The enemy were compelled to fly under low clouds, where they made good targets for the light anti-air-craft defences.

Although two hostile bombers attacking Rugeley were engaged over Grantham, the engagement was inconclusive.

One of the features of the morning’s operations was the accurate work of the Observer Corps under very difficult conditions.

BLACK-OUT IN LONDON RAIN ADDS TO GLOOM LONDON, Aug. 10. Heavy clouds and rain are adding to the gloom of London’s first blackout. The weather moderated towards midnight, allowing the balloon barrage to be released. Police are posted at all vulnerable points and specials and war reserve officers bring the total up to 20,000. Extensive patrolling is being carried out in order to prevent thieves operating under the cover of darkness, while others are reporting on the efficiency tests. EXERCISES AT GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR, Aug. 10. Extensive naval, military, and air exercises, including a black-out, were carried out successfully.