London, Oct. 12. pes the afternoon of October 8, British aircraft located a force of German warships, consisting of one large cruiser, one smaller cruiser and five destroyers, says an official statement by naval authorities, The aircraft shadowed the German force and reported its movements, while the Home Fleet proceeded to the reported position ready to commence action.
Before the German vessels could be engaged, however, night fell, and in the dark it was impossible to locate them.
The following day, British warships were attacked by German aircraft from time to time from about 8.30 a.m. until about 4.30 p.m. Generally working singly, or in pairs, the German aircraft first attacked a torpedo-boat destroyer, later carrying out attacks on some cruisers and two more torpedo-boat destroyers.
All attacks were completely unsuccessful, and no hits were registered. Two salvoes of bombs did, however, fall between some of the cruisers. Spent splinters from one bomb fell on board a cruiser, büt did no damage.
Anti-aircraft guns on board the warships opened fire during the attacks. In view of reports that two German aircraft had landed in Denmark, and that another was brought into Sylt damaged and in tow, it is probable that the anti-aircraft fire was successful in inflicting damage on the raiders, says the statement.
Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.