CHURCH DAMAGED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21258, 31 October 1940, Page 8

CHURCH DAMAGED

RAIDS ON ENGLAND BOMB STRIKES THEATRE AUDIENCE REMAINS SEATED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 31, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 30 Raiders attempting to reach London last night stumbled on a new intensive anti-aircraft barrage covering a popular route across the southeast coast. The barrage was reported to be most effective and engaged the planes for a considerable distance. Inland from the coast many unloaded their bombs in fields and then turned back. Observers recently sighted strange types of bombers approaching the coast, possibly Italians, under the escort of a large formation of Messerschmitts. The strangers quickly retreated when intercepted and have not succeeded in dropping one bomb on land.

Strong forces of planes attempted to cross the south coast today. The R.A.F. fighters closed in and a brief battle followed, after which many planes were heard returning across the coast. There was only one alarm in London this morning. A bomb directly hit a Catholic church on the outskirts of London last night. Everything, including vestments and sacrament, was destroyed. An incendiary bomb penetrated a cinema roof, falling near the screen while the show was progressing. The staff extinguished the bomb while the audience remained seated. Another bomb hit a block of flats. Fifty people sheltering on the ground floor were unhurt, but those on the first floor were buried to the neck by debris, two being killed. German guns on the French coast shelled the Dover area today. Seven German Planes Destroyed Some details of the day’s air fighting over Britain are contained in an Air Ministry communique, which states that reports received up to 5 p.m. show that seven enemy aircraft were destroyed. Four of our fighters are missing. An official Cairo communique states that there is nothing to report.