PEOPLE INJURED

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

PEOPLE INJURED

THE RAID ON LONDON PROPERTY DAMAGED AROUSED BY GUNFIRE (United Press Assn.—Elcc. Tel. Copyright) (Received August 24, 11 a.m.) LONDON, August 23 Reports of the night air attack on London show that bombs fell in three areas on the outskirts. It was the first time since the outbreak of the war that Londoners have been roused from their beds by gunfire, sirens, and the distant thud of bombs. Two cinemas were hit in separate districts. No deaths are reported. Many people in Central London slept through the warning period. Others who heard the gunfire saw a briliant searchlight display. The anti-aircraft barrage in one London area was described as terrific. When one cinema was hit a boilerhouse was practically wrecked and the boilers left hanging fantastically near the orchestral stalls. The cinema walls were torn down, and pieces four feet long were hurled fifteen yards. Shop windows in the vicinity were smashed. Many flat-dwellers in the neighbourhood were asleep, and when awakened had no time to rush to shelters. Their beds were littered with glass splinters. The rear wall of fiats was blown out, leaving the interiors exposed. The furniture of one room was scattered in the streets. Bombs fell in another suburb, where a second cinema, a bank and flats above shops were damaged. Windows were widely shattered. The street to-day was closed against traffic. Only two or three people were slightly injured. Enemy Activity An Air Ministry and Ministry of Home Security communique states: During last night there was some activity over this country by enemy aircraft, operating singly or in small numbers. Bombs were dropped on a number of areas in England and South Wales and on towns in northeast Scotland. In towns in north-east England property was damaged and in two towns in south-east England slight damage was caused. Some damage and casualties were caused in other areas. Several fatal injuries are reported. The convoy which was shelled unsuccessfully in the Straits of Dover yesterday arrived in the Thames with over 50,000 tons of food and other esential commodities.