HUNDREDS OF PLANES

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21191, 14 August 1940, Page 7

HUNDREDS OF PLANES

MASSED AIR BATTLES CASUALTIES IN BRITAIN DAMAGE IN WORKERS’ FLATS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received August 14, 11.15 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 13 The American Press says the Germans threw hundreds of planes into massed air battles this morning, extending over 100 miles along Britain’s coastal front line.

They swept in waves of 50 to over 100. The big formation, taking advantage of the low ceiling, flew in over the clouds.

A machine-gunner cannonaded barrage balloons, several of which were seen falling.

As fast as the Germans came British Spitfires and Hurricanes rose to meet them. Most of the battles were fought high over the clouds.

About fifty planes flew over a south-western town this afternoon. The machines were seen diving through the clouds. The fight continued high over the clouds for some time. The British fighters dispersed a strong enemy formation.

It is now known that over 200 bombs fell in country districts yesterday afternoon, causing seven deaths. Several people were injured and three cottages were demolished.

Two men entering a station were killed in a raid on south-west England early this morning. The windows of forty houses were smashed when a bomb fell in the courtyard of a large block of workers' flats, killing a girl aged 15 years. Only a few were injured. An Air Ministry and Ministry of Home Security communique states: Enemy aircraft approached the coast early this morning at points ranging from the Sussex coast to the Thames Estuary.

Bombs fell on several seaside towns, causing a few casualties but there was no military damage. Some enemy aircraft crossed the south coast and dropped bombs in a country district of Hampshire, causing a small number of casualties, some fatal. Royal Air Force fighters attacked the enemy and the anti-aircraft guns opened fire. The enemy casualties were considerable, but full reports are not yet available.