MOCK BOMBING RAID ON ACHILLES

Southland Times, Issue 23634, 8 October 1938, Page 15

MOCK BOMBING RAID ON ACHILLES

EXERCISES CARRIED OUT BY AIR FORCE ’PLANES (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 7. Though Wellington did not know anything about it, there were, theoretically, guns and 2501 b bombs blazing away in various directions in Cook’ Strait and down the coast of the South Island today, when the Wellington territorial squadron of the Air Force attacked H.M.S. Achilles on the way up from the south. Three Baffins took off at 10.30 to find her. Visibility was good and the Achilles was picked up quickly, 15 miles south-east of Cape Campbell. Her position, speed and course were sent out by radio at frequent predetermined intervals. The Achilles, meanwhile, was running an erratic course. As she neared Wellington, reports were made more frequently for the accurate placing of. the ship as a bombing target, the Achilles all the time noting her positions so that the accuracy of the air observations could later be checked. While she was still miles out there was a mock bombing attack, and in the harbour-mouth a low bombing attack.