FIRE-BOMBS ON LONDON

Southland Times, Issue 24333, 14 January 1941, Page 5

FIRE-BOMBS ON LONDON

FAILURE OF GERMAN ATTEMPT VOLUNTEER SPOTTERS PREPARED (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received January 13, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 12. German bombers failed last night in another attempt to destroy London by fire. The raid found not only London’s fire-fighters, but also an army of volunteer spotters fully prepared. Almost every incendiary bomb that could be reached was pounced upon and quickly extinguished. Nevertheless the fires at one period called for all the skill and resource of the fire-fighters. The raid was almost non-stop. Firebombs were interspersed with explosive bombs in sandwich fashion. It is believed that the Germans used a new type of fire-bomb. Strange lights and flashes were seen.

Two innovations helped to defeat the fire “blitz.” Sandbags placed at the foot of many lamp-posts proved useful against incendiary bombs and A.R.P. wardens were given authority to enter premises in case of danger, but complaints were made that too many valuable buildings were left unprotected. Two fire-watchers were killed when a flight of stone stairs collapsed on top of them after an explosive bomb had hit the premises. Three nuns were killed by a bomb which struck a section of a hospital in the London area. The patients had previously been removed. A bomb hit a bus. killing a number of persons. A building which was being used as a hospital was demolished by a direct hit. All the patients had been evacuated, but two nurses and a fireman were missing. Several were killed and a number injured when a bomb fell between two large blocks of flats. NUMBER OF PERSONS TRAPPED A number of persons was trapped when a heavy bomb hit an office in which they were sheltering. Fire broke out in the ,/reckage, interrupting rescue work. Six were saved after the fire was put out, but the voices of others could still be heard and efforts were being made to rescue them. A man on a third floor was trapped in a small cave made by masonry when the building collapsed. He was rescued with only a few bruises Terrible scenes were witnessed when a high explosive bomb fell in

a London subway, plunging through the surface and bringing down debris on the people taking refuge below, many of whom were killed. Rescuers quickly arrived but they were confronted by a tremendous problem as the whole roadway had been lifted up and dropped back again. Huge masses of concrete lay between the rescuers and those entombed, while twisted iron girders, lamp-posts and the remains of a traffic island contributed to the chaotic scene. A small fire broke lut just under the surface, but was quickly extinguished. The killed and injured were lifted out and then men and women staggered through the debris, being helped out from the crater. More than 100,000 persons in the London region alone have enrolled as firebomb fighters stationed in private or b jsiness premises. The Home Secretary, Mr Herbert Morrison, emphasized that the results were still short of the requirements in many boroughs and that in every district at least one member of each family should volunteer so that not a single house, office, or factory building should be left unprotected. British night patrols destroyed one enemy aircraft over Brifam last night and anti-aircraft fire another. An official communique states: “The enemy attacked Portsmouth last night. Fires were caused, but the situation is well in hand. Considerable damage was done to houses and commercial premises. A number of people was killed and injured. A few bombs dropped elsewhere damaged houses, but killed no one.” ANTIAIRCRAFT FIRE MORE ACCURATE LONDON, January 12. Experience and improved instruments have greatly increased the accuracy of anti-aircraft fire and a high Army authority stated that enemy planes can now be brought down with a third of the ammunition necessary in the early days of the war. The success of the anti-aircraft guns cannot be judged by the number of planes shot down but they can be effective by driving the enemy away from his target. Also there is no doubt that many enemy machines have been destroyed which have not been claimed. The chief anti-aircraft weapons, the 3.7 inch and 4.5 inch guns, both have a “ceiling” higher than a bomber can reach. At present the barrage is being used more from the viewpoint of accuracy than of density of fire. All the shells are aimed to hit the traget instead of for preventing the plane from getting through.

The high-flying now resorted to is really a tribute to the two anti-aircraft guns and the Germans now often drop bombs from a height of over 20,000 feet.