FIVE SHIPS SUNK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24432, 18 October 1940, Page 7

FIVE SHIPS SUNK

GERMAN CONVOY LOSSES DUNKIRK BOMBARDED R.A.F. TARGETS IN GERMANY (United Press Association) * (By Electric Telegraph— Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 16. The Admiralty announced that a German convoy of three supply ships, the largest of which was 7000 tons, and also two escort vessels, had been destroyed. Another German vessel of 7000 tons was struck by three torpedoes. An Admiralty communique states that a naval bombardment of Dunkirk was carried out last night. Fires were seen to have been caused, and it is considered that much damage resulted Last night’s air attacks on Germany were directed as usual against a wide variety of objectives, and the Air Ministry communique states: “The main strength o> the R.A.F. bomber offensive was concentrated on the naval bases at Kiel and Hamburg, where large numbers of heavy-calibre bombs were dropped on shipping and wharves. Other forces of bombers attacked oil plants at Gelsenkirchen, Magdeburg, and Salzerbergen, while two plants in the neighbourhood of Kiel were also hit. Goods yards at Schwerte, Krefeld, Hamm, and Soest were attacked, and railway junctions at Nordhausen and Halle damaged, A number of industrial targets, munition factories, aircraft factories, and power stations were raided by other aircraft, which, owing to bad weather, did not reach their primary objectives. The offensive against the Channel ports and gun emplacements at Cap Griz Nez continued. All cur aircraft returned safely.” Channel Ports Battered

Details of R.A.F. raids last night on Channel ports reveal that Coastal Command Blenheims which raided Flushing and Terneuzen all reported great enemy fighter activity along the Dutch coast and well out to sea Every effort to harass the British bombers, however, was unsuccessful, and bombing was carried out with the utmost effect. German fighters tried to intercept the Blenheims as they made preliminary runs over their targets, but every attempt failed. Lock gates and fuel stores were among the principal targets. An immense fire was started at a large oil dump at Terneuzen. Numerous direct hits were made on the docks at Flushing and targets in landward waterways. While one Blenheim was approaching Ostend the pilot observed an enemy aircraft circling ahead, and also the flare path of the aerodrome being lit. Before it could be extinguished the flare path had been used as an aiming mark and the landing ground was straddled with a full load of high-explosive bombs and incendiary missiles.

Power and Harbour Works Bombed

Two power stations at the naval base at Lorient were the main points of attack by other formations of Blenheims. The pilots and observers found railways, bridges, and waterways clearly distinguishable in the moonlight, and were able to fix their target areas exactly. Fleet Air Arm aircraft operating with the Coastal Command dropped large calibre bombs on harbour works and shipping at Brest. A chain of fires was started in the vicinity of the power station and on railway sidings. Hudsons of the Costal Command were active on the Dutch coast. One pilot mase an effective dive-bomb-ing attack on the inner harbour at Wiilemsoord. Another Hudson glided 7000 feet to bomb enemy destroyers off Texel. A Heinkel flpatplane was met head-on over the English Channel by a Coastal Command Blenheim fighter. The Heinkel spun into the sea and sank after two bursts of machine gun fire. Children Leave German Cities The Berlin News Agency says the gradual voluntary evacuation ot children from large towns threatened by air raids, such as Berlin and Hamburg, is noi due to any danger from the British air attacks, which do not necessitate action, but to the bad effect on the health of young children from frequent interruptions to their sleep. A German communique says: The R.A.F, continued indiscriminate bombing against non-military objectives. Houses and farms were hit in central and western Germany, resulting in civilian casualties. The Luftwaffe attacked southern and central England, ' particularly London, with increased violence. Artillery turned back enemy naval units off the Channel coast.