BRITISH RETALIATION

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21200, 24 August 1940, Page 7

BRITISH RETALIATION

SHELLFIRE ACROSS THE CHANNEL PLANES ATTACK FRENCH COASTAL TOWNS RED GLOTV FROM BOULOGNE TO CALAIS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received August 24, 11 a.m.) LONDON, August 23 It is officially confirmed that a few rounds were fired across the Channel last night from the English coast. A German shell is reported to have wrecked a church in England, passing through a stained glass window near the altar and exploding within the building. While the shelling was proceeding a parachute flare which appeared over the French coast signalled the opening of the Royal Air Force reply, which was pressed home with great vigour. The detonations were heard on the English coast, and from Calais to Boulogne a red glow in the sky and low down on the waterline indicated the effectiveness of the counter-attack.

People Killed at Dover The residents of Dover took the bombardment quietly, says another report. There was no panic. At least two people were killed and nine injured. A later message says that the shelling caused fairly widespread damage, but remarkably few casualties, considering the heaviness of the bombardment. Gunnery experts state that longrange guns are inefficient without effective spotting by aeroplane, for which the pilot must have full opportunity to follow the course of the shells. This was impossible, because of the hot Royal Air Force counterattack. The chief value of the long-range guns is for propaganda purpose. The Germans cannot hope to hide them from aerial photographers, with resulting heavy British bombing. Long-range Bombardment Authoritative London circles express the opinion that the German guns used in bombarding the convoy and later firing on the Dover area are about 12-inch calibre. The Nazis constructed emplacements on the French coast between Calais and Boulogne immediately they were in occupation, and it is thought that yesterday’s display heralded the completion of these works. Informed quarters regard the usefulness of this artillery as still to be proved, and point out that a longrange bombardment depends upon observation for siiccess. At such a distance it is thought unlikely that a bombardment could or would dislodge troops from emplacements, but it is emphasised, both as regards this aspect and as regards convoys, that the problem is a new one, and time will show whether or not extremely long-range artillery has acquired a new usefulness. German Version A German communique mentions an air attack against a convoy on August 22, but does not mention long-range gunfire. Delayed-action Bomb A delayed-action bomb exploded in a London suburb this afternoon. The neighbourhood had already been evacuated.