ARCTIC PORT BOMBED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 179, 1 August 1941, Page 5

ARCTIC PORT BOMBED

FLEET AIR ARM FIFTEEN PLANES LOST GERMAN WAR AND SUPPLY SHIPS SUNK London. July 31. The Admiralty reports that the Arctic (Norwegian) port of Kirkenes (near the Finnish border), was attacked by naval aircraft. A German warship, believed to be the Brernse, was hit and also supply ships. Fifteen naval planes were lost from this operation, which also included another northern port, in which no shipping was found but the attack was directed at port installations. Last night, driving through thunderstorms, the Bomber Command of the R.A.F. attacked targets in the industrial areas of Aachen and Cologne, in western Germany. The docks at Boulogne were also attacked. Three planes failed to return. In daylight, in the Heligoland Bight, enemy shipping was attacked. One ship of 1200 tons was sunk and another of 1500 tons left heeling over. Seven planes are missing. (Reed. 7.30 p.m.) London, July 30.

The German radio stated tha 1 under an escort of fighters British torpedo-carrying planes, taking off from an aircraft-carrier in the Arctic, attacked a north Norwegian port. The attack coincided with a Soviet raid in north Norway. It added that the R.A.F. also raided northern Germany.—U.P.A.

There is no confirmation in London of the German claim that Soviet planes co-operated with the British in bombing the Norwegian Arctic ports.