A fire of undetermined origin caused extensive damage to a pier at the submarine base here yesterday, Authorities were—investigat= ing' the possibility of ith column. activities in this area.
Oficials. said they had no sus picion of sabotage, but added they had ordered an immediate investiga ton of the fire.
One submarine, the R-4, which was alongside the pier when the fire broke out, was removed imme.
(ely and escaped damage—United Press, mity of the Estuary two persons were reported killed and five wounded Among the seven or mizht German planes which were shot down was one Targe bomber which was reportedly tracked by Spitfires and crashed on beach on the southeastern coast The crew of the bomber attempted {to bale out but became entangled the wreckage and were killed, Onslaught Expected Observers believed it was significant that the Nazi raids occurred only 36 hours before the House of Ci was scheduled to assemble session to hear the Prime Min fand the War Alinister, Mr. Ant Eden, report on the preparations which have been taken to meet the anticipated aerial onslaught.
'The Air Ministry and the Ministry for Home Security in a joint commatnique following the widespread alr raids, announced that anti-aircraft guns' and British fighter planes immediately took to the air as soon as the raiders were reported over Brilish soil Meanwhile, British military quarters, speculating on when Chancellor Adolf Hiller would launch his publiized. blitzkrieg against Britain, behheved today that England would. get brief respite while Germany is wind ing up her French campaign and forming troops for the new campaign.
The military editor of the London "Evening Standard believed " that nearly a month would elapse before the Germans throw their full weight against Britain—United Press.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.