The Archive · 1940

Fierce Barrage

The anti-aircraft barrage was one of the heaviest in several weeks, Large fires were started in one district, but they were controlled within 30 minutes.

The Air Ministry said that the main force of the German attack was launched at the London area, whol a block.of flats was hit. Houses, shops and other buildings were damaged.

"Bombs were dropped on many districts in the home counties and south and south-east England? the communique said.

"Most of these did no harm, but} in some places dwelling houses and other buildings were damaged. The number. of casualties reported from all these areas was very small."

Six Shot Down Six German planes were destroyed by British fighting craft and antiaircraft fire during the raids, said the Air Ministry.

Four of them were shot down during daylight raids and a huge bomber fell to British gunfire. just before midnight.

One Dornier flying boat was shot

it sai ciasta, coctusuxt te Four British fighting planes were! lost during aerial combats, the Air. Ministry said, but one pilot was known to be safe.

German planes were reported over South-west England and Southern Wales at 940 pum. Earlier, at 7.30 pin: today they flew over Liverpool, which had been visited by the King and Queen during the day.

A heavy anti-aircraft barrage at 630 p.m. signalled the start of the night's activities over London, but it ceased shortly and raiders did not penetrate the city's defences until later in the evening.

The Air Ministry said there were some damage and a few casualties in the Southampton area—United Press.

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