Nazi Bombers Over England

Southland Times, Issue 24162, 26 June 1940, Page 4

Nazi Bombers Over England

REPORTS from London, printed this morning, indicate that the German air raids are growing in number and intensity. The largest series of attacks since the beginning of the war occurred a few hours after the “cease fire” carried its melancholy message to the people of France. In this way the Nazis announced their intention of hurrying, without respite, towards the next and most difficult stage of their campaign. A few hours earlier it was reported through the German news agency that Grand-Admiral Raeder had made a tour of inspection at naval bases on the Dutch, Belgian and French coasts, where he wanted to make sure that units of. the Battle Fleet were ready “to strike against Britain.” The only German craft likely to be assembled at these bases are submarines and motor torpedo boats; and even if they are there in greater strength than seems probable, they can be left safely to the attention of the

Royal Navy. Although it might be unwise to under-estimate Hitler’s capacity for unorthodox tactics, present indications are that the German air force is to bear the weight of the assault on Britain.

As the raiding takes a stronger momentum, there may be formidable reports of damage in the industrial and urban areas. It would be misleading to pretend that an air force based widely .enough to allow converging attacks on a comparatively narrow target can be prevented from striking heavily and often. Mr Churchill has warned the British people to be ready for a stern ordeal. There will be losses, perhaps serious, of civilian life; and in some districts the output of war materials may be retarded. But the new Government has organized its drive for production with a full allowance for abnormal conditions. The nation is ready for an emergency, and its spirit is high. If the Nazis are planning the raids as a concentrated effort to break down the civilian morale, their hopes are certain to be disappointed. Britain also has bombers, and can strike back at the cities of Germany. It is possible, however, that terrorism and the destruction of industrial centres are not the only motives behind the Nazi plans. Experts have always assumed that, if there is to be an invasion of Britain, the preliminary moves will be carried out under cover of mass, air raids. It may still be too soon to expect evidence of any such action. But the events of the near future should reveal whether or not the attempt is to be made.