ATTACK DRIVEN HOME

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 September 1939, Page 6

ATTACK DRIVEN HOME

ON GERMAN NAVAL BASE

Official Account of Royal Air Force

Achievement

FINE FIGHTING QUALITIES DISPLAYED

ENEMY BATTLESHIP HIT DIRECTLY BY HEAVY BOMBS

(British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.10 a.m.) RUGBY, September 7

“It is now possible to give a fairly full account of the first active operation of the Royal Air Force in war—the successful attack on the German naval base at Wilhelmshaven and on Erunsbuttel, at ths entrance to the Kiel Canal,’’ states a Ministry of Information bulletin. “Although the weather conditions were entirely adverse, the attack was pressed home with the greatest vigour and daring. The lighting qualities displayed by the R.A.F. pilots were splendid and the results they achieved arc. of the highest importance. There was heavy rain and visibility was poor. The squadrons flew low to make sure of hitting their targets. The first attack was delivered in the evening, on a pocket battleship lying a few miles on the east of the Schilling Roads. There was little doubt that the enemy were taken by surprise, but anti-aircraft batteries quickly opened fire. The bombers circled and dived over the battleship and direct hits by heavy bombs were made..

Naval craft and port batteries kept up an intense antiaircraft fire and. the R.A.F. bombers were attacked by German fighters; yet the bombing raid was continued. IThe pilots and crews returned to their bases in fine fettle. They were proud to have been chosen to strike the first blow at the German war machine. From the naval point of view their fine attack will have its effect upon the future course of the war at sea, as the ship hit was one of the most effective units of the German Navy.”