Great Britain - Military Situation , September 1940

Great Britein Military Situation : Sep 1140 PSF G.B. BRITISH EMBASSY, WASHINGTON, D.C. September 2nd, 1940. Secret, Dear Mr. President, I enclose herein a copy of the latest report on the military situation. This was sent off from London early yesterday morning. Believe me, Dear Mr. President, UNCLESSIFIED Very sincerely yours, holation The Honourable Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, Washington, D. C. Telegram despatched from London early on the morning of September lst. 1. Royal Air Force. Explosions and large fires were started at 2 of the oil targets attacked during the night of August 29th/30th. Bursts were also observed in target area and fires were started at a synthetic oil plant and a power station, though here observation was difficult. Attacks on a lighter scale were made on railway targets, various industrial targets and aero- dromes. Medium bombers also attacked 11 aerodromes in occupied territory, large fires were started at 2 of them, but elsewhere results could not be seen. Eighteen medium bombers were sent out yesterday, but, apart from usual North Sea reconnaissance, almost all tasks had to be abandoned. All aircraft returned safely. Last night medium bombers were sent to attack the gun emplacements at Cap Grisnez, and a concentration of shipping near Enden. Heavy bombers were sent to power station and electrical works and aircraft factory and oil targets at Berlin, and additional oil targets in northwest and central Germany, Coastal command/ -2- command aircraft obtained hits on oil stores and an ammunition dump at Boulogne, and started large fires. They also went to attack oil cisterns at Cherbourg, but no reports are yet available. Two aircraft are missing, and two crews were lost in crashes. 2. German Air Force, Further reports indicate that German bombing on the night of August 29th/30th was very scattered, and took place to a great extent over rural areas. Both H.E. and incendiary bombs were used. Only damage of significance reported was to commercial property at Manchester (3 persons killed and 12 wounded) and at Liverpool where there was some damage and several casualties. During yesterday, about 600 aircraft are believed to have operated. During the morn- ing about 100 crossed the southeast coast, were intercepted by our fighters, and dropped their bombs chiefly in some of the southern and southeastern suburbs of London. Little damage was done and casualties were few. In the afternoon two more large raids crossed the coast coming towards London. This time objectives appear to have been aerodromes in Essex and Kent areas. Major damage and fires were caused at one aerodrome, which was rendered temporarily unserviceable. At another, a hangar was destroyed, but aerodrome remains serviceable. Considerable damage was done to Vauxhall motor works, where 15 were killed and about 50 wounded. There were additional casualties in Luton town -3- town, A further raid of about 70 aircraft came up the Thames Estuary in the evening and divided; an aerodrome in Kent was attacked; in 20 minutes raiders had been dispersed. Last night a continuous stream of raiders, mostly single aircraft but sometimes in groups of three or more, crossed the coast. Their main objective seems to have been industrial areas in the Midlands, Lancs., Yorks. The coming and going of these raiders caused a 6 hour warning in London. Some bombs fell in the inner London area. Casualties throughout the country are believed to have been slight, but detailed reports have not yet been received. 3. Summary of air casualties. Enemy casualties: by our fighters: destroyed probable Bombers damaged 28 9 11 Fighters 30 12 18 By anti-aircraft: Bombers 1 - - Fighters 3 - - Totals 62 21 29 British: 25 fighters (15 pilots safe). 4. Shipping Casualties. By U-Boats. During night of August 29th/30th, one Norwegian ship (4000 tons) was torpedoed and sank, and two British ships (total 9000 tons) were torpedoed in north west approaches. These ships were in homeward bound convoy. Last night Dutch ship "Volendam" (15,500 tons), Greek ship (5000 tone) and British/ -4- British ship (10,500 tons) in outward bound convoy were torpedoed off Northern Ireland. Tugs have been sent and destroyers are standing by. The Dutch ship was carrying passengers and 250 children for New York. 5. During the period covered by this summary, 46 ocean going cargo vessels in convoy have arrived safely. Cargoes included steel, pig iron, aircraft, explosives and food stuffs. 6. Somaliland, Aircraft of South African Air Force attacked a mechanised transport depot at Mogador on August 28th, and scored many direct hits. It is estimated that about 800 mechanical vehicles were damaged, 7. Egypt. On August 28th enemy raids on Alexandria and Mersamatruh caused only slight damage, and one aircraft was shot down by anti- aircraft fire. The Canal area near Port Said was attacked. There was no damage. 8. Italian East Africa. The Kassala garrison 16 reported to have been reinforced recently and is now believed to consist of 10 colonial battalions with proportionate cavalry, pack artillery, and one medium artillery unit, also 25 to 30 light and medium tanks, about 100 motor transport vehicles and other ancilliary services. PSF GB. BRITISH EMBASSY, WASHINGTON. September 3rd 1940. Secret. Dear Mr. President, I enclose herein a copy of the latest report on the military situation. This was sent off from London late in the evening of September lst. Believe me, Dear Mr. President, UNCLASSIFIED Very sincerely yours, holdwan The Honourable Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, Washington, D.C. Telegram despatched from London late in the evening of September 1st. 1. Naval. Aircraft having reported large number of enemy ships off Northern Holland yesterday evening our mine laying destroyers in the vicinity were ordered to jettison their mines and attack. Early this morning three destroyers were mined off this coast, one 1s sunk and other two are returning at slow speed. Destroyers and other craft have been sent to their aid. Yesterday morning a submarine sighted three enemy cruisers and destroyers south-east of Messina and yesterday afternoon a second submarine reported four enemy cruisers and five destroyers in the same area, going south at high speed. This submarine attacked and claims two hits. 2. Royal Air Force. During bombing operations on night of August 30th/31st nine heavy bombers attacked Siemens Electric factory at Berlin, causing very large fires and explosions. Four large explosions were caused at Berlin Gas Works, after which target appeared ablaze from end to end, and it 1a thought the gas holder was hit. Damage also caused to electric power station and adjacent/ adjacent railway sidings, to air port, and to an aircraft works and oil cisterns. Latter two targets were reported burning freely. Many bursts and explosions were observed amongst cisterns at Magdeburg. Railway targets, synthetic oil factory, ships at Emden and gun positions opposite Dover were also bombed, but observation was difficult. A number of enemy aerodromes were attacked. Clear weather conditions prevented cloud- flying bombing by our aircraft yesterday. Last night medium bombers were sent against gun emplacements opposite Dover, and a shipping concentration near Emden. Heavy bombers were sent to aircraft factories, a gas works. and air port at Berlin; also to oil and railway targets elsewhere in Germany. All our aircraft have returned safely and one medium bomber landed in the sea very near the shore, and the crew were rescued. Coastal commend aircraft went to attack fuel tanks and a seaplane base in Holland. Two aircraft are missing. 3. German Air Force. Total civilian casualties in London area during the night of August 30th/31st are reported as nine killed and one hundred and sixteen injured. Industrial damage was slight but there is appreciable damage to house property in certain areas. Property and public services suffered in Liverpool area and in Staffordshire, where/ - 2 - where an iron and steel works was attacked; cables, water mains and buildings were damaged but machinery was only slightly affected. Yesterday, about 800 enemy aircraft were operating. During the morning two main raids developed over southern England, and attacks were made on aerodromes. Three received extensive damage, but are still operationally serviceable. At Dover all the balloons were reported shot down, and at Croydon a factory employed on aircraft work, already twice attacked, was finally wrecked. The first raid numbered about 150 aircraft and the second about 100. Both were interrupted and dispersed by our fighters. Apart from damage mentioned, other damage caused was chiefly in Essex and Kent, mostly house property and was in no way proportional to the attack. Casualties were not heavy. Last night enemy operations chiefly directed against north west England, although London was lightly raided and 58 casualties are so far reported from this area. At Liverpool bombs fell in the centre of the city/ - 3 - city, damaging the Town Hall, and fires were caused in the docks. Minor damage was also caused to docks at Birkenhead. Casualties reported from this area are 31 killed and 75 wounded. Elsewhere damage was slight and, except for minor reilway dislocation, mainly affected house property. Enemy bomber reconnaissance aircraft are regularly active around English coasts, for some distance in the Bay of Biscay, and into the Atlantic as far as western Ireland. Patrols have been maintained by day in the Calais area, and along the Dutch coast at night. Mine laying continues actively. 4. Summary of Air Casualties. Enemy: by our fighters: destroyed probable damaged. Bombers 31 13 21 Fighters 39 21 12 by anti-aircraft fire: Bombers 8 - - Fighters 7 - - Totals 85 34 33 British: 37 (25 pilots safe). 5. Shipping Casualties. By U Boat. One Belgian ship (7,500 tons) and one Greek ship (3,900 tons) neither in convoy, were torpedoed in north western approaches - 4 - last/ last night; also a British ship (6,000 tons) in convoy in the same area on the 29th. All this crew got away in boats. A Norwegian ship (1,800 tons) in convoy was torpedoed by sircraft off the east coast of Scotland on the 30th. The large Dutch ship reported torpedoed yesterday is in tow. 257 persons excluding 77 children have been landed. 6. Libya. A new air corps has been formed with head quarters at Cirene, which will include all air units operating in Libya. This is the fifth air corps in the Italian Air Force, the head quarters of the other four being at Milan, Bari, Rome and somewhere in Sicily. - 5 - PSF G.B. BRITISH EMBASSY, WASHINGTON, D.C. Georet. September 4th 1940. Dear Mr. President, I enclose herein copies of the latest reports on the military situation. These were sent off from London early in the morning of September 3rd and 4th respectively. UNCLIDED Believe me, Dear Mr. President, STATED Very sincerely yours, Wheren P.S. Imant 19 family, tone for minth. Hand bohn 6 4- Ememl The Honourable < Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, Washington, D.C. Telegram despatched from London early in the morning of September 3rd. Naval. His Majosty's Cruiser "F1j1" while escorting an outward bound convoy, was torpedoed yesterday evening in north west Approaches. She is returning with destroyer escort. Reference paragraph one of yesterday's summary concerning two destroyers damaged, H.N. destroyer "Ivanhoe" had to be abandoned and sunk; 44 survivors were landed. H.M. destroyer "Express" is approaching harbour in tow under escort and has 90 casualties. H.M. cruiser "Galatea" was slightly damaged by mine explosion, when entering an east coast harbour. Yesterday, one mine-sweeper was lost by mine, and submarine "Tuna" reports she sank a U-boat. 2. Royal Air Force. During the night of August 31st/September lst medium bombers attacked shipping near Emden and bursts were seen in the target area. Large fires were also caused st two oil targets in Holland. Poor visibility severely hampered our heavy/ heavy bombers, but fires were started at Berlin gas works, and fires and ex losions caused at two oil targets elsewhere in Germany. Four aircraft attacked aero-engine factory at Spandau without observed results, and two more started a fire at Berlin airport. Twenty-two serodromes were amongst the alternstive tergets attacked. Yesterday, all of our aircraft returned safely, but lack of cloud cover obliged the majority to abandon their tasks. However two aerodromes in Holland were bombed. Last night 65 aircraft were sent out with the following objectives:- Shipping at Enden and at ports of northern France; 011 targets, aluminum works and an electric power station in Germany; The Bosch magneto factory at Stuttgart; An aircraft factory at Leipzig; and Aero-engine works at Muniqh. Railway targets and serodromes were also included. One heavy bomber is missing; reports awaited. Italy. Six heavy bombers were again sent to the Fiat and Murelli works. All aircraft returned safely. 3. German Air Force. Night of August 31st/September lst. Later reports announce much damage to railway property/ -2- property at Leeds, one person killed and fifty-two wounded;- large woodland and heath fires were also caused in Cumberland and Denbighshire. Yesterday daylight raids were again directed against Kentand Thames Estuary area; the main objectives being serodromes. Formation of over 100 crossed the coast near Dover about 11 a.m., was intercepted by our fighters and dispersed after half an hour's fighting. Three similar attacks took place in the afternoon. These were also intercepted and casualties caused to enemy aircraft. Considerable damage to house property at Gravesend, some industrial damage at Tilbury and in the Thames Estuary area, casualties are reported 7 killed and 43 wounded. Guard's Depot was attacked in the afternoon where 4 were killed and 16 injured. Last night, enemy activity was on a reduced scale, and chiefly confined to south Wales and south west England. At Swansea extensive damage was done in the centre of the city. Casualties so far reported 11 killed and 26/ -3- 26 wounded; the National 011 Refinery Depot in south Wales was hit, one cistern was destroyed and three are burning. There was additional industrial damage of less importance in this area. A severe fire was caused in the centre of Bristol. 4. Summary of air casualties. Enemy:- Destroyed. Probable. Damaged. Fighters 17 6 13 Bombers 8 4 10 Unidentified - - 1 Totals 25 10 24 British: destroyed 15 fighters (9 pilots safe). 5. Shipping Casualties. Norwegian ship (1,700 tons) torpedoed and sunk by U-boat August 22nd west of Iceland. One Swedish ship (2,400 tons) in outward bound convoy, torpedoed August 28th western approaches. All passengers and crew of Dutch ship Volendam were saved with the exception of the purser. 6. Middle East. On August 31st 37 medium bombers attacked enemy aerodromes in Eastern Libya. Bombs were seen to fall amongst aircraft and on camps and at one aerodrome 8 large firewas caused. At least six enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and others were damaged. All aircraft/ -4- aircraft returned safely, in spite of enemy fighter opposition. Eritrea. Yesterday 21 medium bombers attacked Agsab. Direct hits were obtained on the jetties, warehouses, barracks and a fire visible from a great distance was started. All our aircraft returned safely. 7. East Africa. During the period 19th - 29th the brigade group at Buna has been gradually withdrawn to a position on the line Waso-Nyiro, and the post is now unoccupied. This position is one selected last September as the foremost line of defence of the colony. A brigade group remains at Mojer. -5- Telegram despatched from London early in the morning of September 4th. Naval. In the course of operations carried out by our heavy forces one battleship and two anti-aircraft cruisers with equipment from the United Kingdom entered Malta during day- light yesterday, and, after unloading and loading other stores, proceeded to sea. His Majesty's destroyer "Express" has arrived in harbour. On August 19th H.M. submarine "Cachalot" made a promising attack on a U-boat. After firing torpedoes a detonation was heard and oil was found. Yesterday some aircraft attacked U-boats off the west coast of Scotland and northern Ireland, but without visible results, and a British ship fired on a submarine causing her to dive. 2. Royal Air Force. During the night of September lst/2nd shipping in Emden and northern French ports was successfully located and attacked. Two oil targets/ targets were bombed by small numbers of air- craft; fires were started at one other, results were unobserved. Railway communicationsat Munich were hit by several bombs, and a number of bombs burst in target areas of Bosch Magneto Works and an aluminum factory. Other objectives over B wide area were successfully located and attacked by single aircraft. Italy. The Morelli and Fiat factories were each bombed by two aircraft; one bomber unable to locate target attacked railway bridge over river, which was believed hit. Last night 92 bombers in all were despatched to the following objectives; Black Forest and Thuringer Wald, 30 heavy; oil targets in Germany and Holland, 25 heavy and medium, enemy submarines and shipping in French and Belgian ports, 17 heavy and medium; armament factories in Germany, 15 heavy; railway and waterway targets, gun emplacements opposite Dover, 5 heavy and medium. One heavy and one medium bomber have not been reported back. 6 heavy bombers were sent to attack the power station at Genoa, all have returned. 3. Detling serodrome rendered temporarily unserviceable yesterday is already again serviceable, by day and night. Short's aircraft factory has returned to two-thirds production (reference to summary of August 16th). -2- 4/ 4. German Air Force. Night of September lst/2nd. Further damage reported; Bristol, 5 killed 13 wounded; some damage to railway track. Swansea, numerous fires caused in business quarter but now reported 26 killed, 54 wounded. National 011 Refineries Ltd. have closed down and 4 cisterns are still burning; no Admiralty cisterns are affected. Yesterday 5 main raids took place during the day in the east Kent and Thames Estuary sreas. Approximately 850 aircraft were employed, each raid consisting of 100/150 aircraft. All were intercepted by our fighters and casualties were inflicted. 4 aerodromes were attacked, but allare still servicesble. Considerable damage to property was caused at Rochester and Chatham by the first raid, but casualties were slight, only 2 killed and 16 wounded being reported from both areas. During an afternoon raid one dook at Tilbury was hit; casualties 6 killed and 29 wounded. Last night enemy activity was on a smaller scale. Indiscriminate bombing with high/ -3- explosive and incendiary took place in the Midlands, Tyneside and over & large area of south east England. Only very minor damage so for reported with 2 killed and 4 wounded at Birmingham and 3 casualties in the outer London area. 5. Summary of air casualties. Enemy. Destroyed by our aircraft - 11 bombers, 27 fighters; by anti-aircraft fire - 3 bombers, 1 fighter. Total destroyed 42. Probably destroyed by our aircraft 5 bombers, 13 fighters. Damaged by our aircraft 13 bombers, 19 fighters. Total probably destroyed 18, damaged 32. British casualties were 20 fighters (10 pilots killed or missing). 6. Shipping casualties. During the period of the summary 2 neutral and one British ships of a total of 15,000 tons are reported 98 having been torpedoed in various areas, but none are yet reported as sunk. 7. Middle East. Eritres. 3 medium bombers again attacked Assab yesterday; fires started on the previous day were still burning fiercely. PSF G.B. BRITISH EMBASSY, WASHINGTON, D.C. UNCLE REGRADED SCHED S September 6th, 1940. Secret Dear Mr. President, I enclose herein a copy of the latest report on the military situation. This was sent off from London late on the evening of September 4th. Believe me, Dear Mr. President, Very sincerely yours, Where The Honourable Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, Washington, D. C. Telegram despatched from London late on the evening of September 4th. Naval. H.M.S. Fiji has arrived safely in port for repairs. 2. Royal Air Force. Our night bombers on September 2nd - 3rd in most cases located their targets but observation was bad and results could not always be observed. Several large fires were started over a wide area in the Black Forest, especially south of Baden Baden. Target area at Lorient, thought to contain U-boats and E-boats, was located and bombed, results unobserved. Fires were started at oil targets in Germany, and an explosive factory and Bosch factory were also bombed, but only one machine observed bursts in the target area. Single aircraft also attacked railway and canal communications and gun emplacements opposite Dover. One aircraft additional to yesterday's report did not return. The power station and a railway junction at Genoa were each attacked by two aircraft, fires being caused in target area. Two aircraft landed in the sea on return, but crews were saved. Last night 90 bombers were sent out. Objectives were given as follows:- Transformer/ Transformer station and power station at Berlin; oil target at Magdeburg; important railway junctions; an incendiary task in various forest areas; reconnaissance on previous night raid in Black Forest; aerodromes in northern France and shipping and barges in the Low Countries, canale and ports. All our aircraft have returned. 3. German Air Force. In recent raids over this country an increased proportion of fighters to bombers has been noted. This now amounts to between 2 and 2½ fighters to one bomber. Night of September 2nd - 3rd. It is now reported that garrison headquarters at Harwich was gutted by fire as a result of enemy bombing. Yesterday, enemy air offensive was again concentrated on aerodromes. In the morning a formation of about 200 crossed the coast north of the Thames Estuary and then split up. A heavy attack by about 30 bombers escorted by 50 Messerschmidt'110's was delivered on north weald aerodrome. Two nangars, 2 rignters and 1 medium bomber and several mechanical transport lorries were set on fire, damage was done to buildings and telephone communications, and 3 persons were killed and several wounded; but aerodrome is still serviceable by day. A lighter concentration of about 80 aircraft approached southeast Kent in the afternoon, but only a amall number seemed to/ to have crossed. Both raids were dispersed by our fighters, with casualties as follows: Enemy casualties - by our fighters destroyed probable damaged Bombers 7 2 2 Fighters 18 9 8 Totals 25 11 10 British casualties - 15 fighters (7 pilots killed or missing) Last night enemy activity was similar but less widespread, and chiefly confined to South Wales and Liverpool areas, some aircraft continuing as far as Barrow-in-Furness. Raiding started about 9 p.m. but by 1 a.m. the country was almost clear. Only slight damage and few casualties reported from Liverpool. Damage was caused to property at Cardiff, where 4 people were killed and 20 wounded. No other damage of importance is reported. Extensive mine laying was suspected along the entire East Coast, also along the South Coast and in the Bristol Channel and off Liverpool. 4. Shipping Casualties, Reference to paragraph 6 of yesterday's summary, one Greek ship has sunk, and the other two have not yet been located. One Dutch ship (10,200 tons) and three British ships (5,400 4,800 and 2,400) tons were attacked by aircraft when in convoy off East Scotland, and were damaged. Of two other ships recently torpedoed one/ one Greek (5,000 tons) has arrived in port, and another British ship (10,000 tons) severely damaged by aircraft and beached, has now been re-floated. 5. Twenty-four ocean going vessels have arrived safely in convoy, including 4 tankers and 9 cargoes of minerals and ore. 6. Middle East. Fleet Air Arm aircraft attacked aerodrome in Sardinia on September lst. According to Italian wireless one wing of military headquarters and two aircraft on the ground were destroyed. All our aircraft returned safely. PSF G.B. BRITISH EMBASSY, WASHINGTON, D.C. Secret September 6th, 1940. Dear Mr. President, I enclose herein a copy of the latest report on the military situation. This was sent off from London early this morning. Believe me, Dear Mr. President, UNCLASSIFIED Very sincerely yours, Lothia The Honourable Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, Washington, D. C. Telegram despatched from London early morning September 6th. 1. Naval. Seventh Canadian Troop Convoy has arrived safely at a British port. On September 2nd a British submarine sank a large outward bound U-boat in the Bay of Biscay. On September 3rd a Norwegian ship was scuttled by her German prize crew on sighting a British submarine. The same submarine rescued the Master, his wife and 23 of the crew of a British ship (5,200 tons), now presumed sunk last April. Sunderland flying boat picked up the rest of the Norwegian crew; 2 more Sunderlands are now proceeding to rescue 2 boat loads of the German prize crew. Between September 3rd and September 5th four attacks on U-boats have been made without visible result, one in the Mediterranean and 3 in home waters. On September 2nd for the first time German dive bombers were employed against His Majesty's ships in the Mediterranean, and in these waters between August 31st and September 2nd 6 enemy aircraft/ aircraft were shot down during naval operations; except for one store ship damaged enemy attacks were unsuccessful. 2. Royal Air Force. Night operations September 3rd/4th. Incendiary attacks on forest areas in Hartz mountains and in Berlin area have been very successful. All aircraft report starting fires, and one caused 2 explosions. Reconnaissance of Black Forest showed fierce fire burning. Low clouds and intense darkness made identific- ation and observation very difficult. Bursts were caused on Berlin Power Station, fires were started at transformer station and gas works, and a large flash resulted from an attack on an armament factory; all these in Berlin. Hits were observed on railway targets, and bursts and fires seen in the Magdeburg synthetic oil plant. A blast furnace, a factory and a heavy anti-aircraft battery were also hit, and satisfactory reports have been received of attacks on 16 aerodromes. Numerous fires were caused and hits obtained on Ostend harbour, including a direct hit on canal dock gates. Flushing harbour and barges in the Dutch canals were also attacked. Last night 105 bombers were sent out to the following objectives. Power station at Berlin, 011 plant at Magdeburg and Stettin, 011 cisterns at Cherbourg and Flushing, Aerodromes/ - 2 - Aerodromes in Northern France including Chartres, Railway goods yards and barges, and 28 heavy bombers went to set alight to forests. One heavy bomber reported lost off the Dutch coast and crew of one medium bomber were killed on return through a crash. 3. German Air Force. Additional reports of enemy bombing on the night of September 3rd/4th state that large numbers of incendiary bombs were dropped in Kent and Essex, but very little damage resulted. Yesterday enemy made 2 heavy attacks. The first at about 9 a.m. consisted of about 150 aircraft, flow in over south coast, was intercepted by our fighters and broken up into groups. Enemy casualties were heavy and one squadron destroyed 15 enemy dircraft without sustaining a casualty. 3 aerodromes were attacked but no serious damage was caused. Damage was done to property in Canterbury, but casualties were slight. In early afternoon, a second formation of about 200 cam e in via the Thames Estuary. This again was inter- cepted, and heavy losses caused to the enemy. Bombs were dropped in the Medway area; neither casualties nor damage was serious. The Vickers- Armstrong aeroplane works at Weybridge were hit by 5 or 6 high explosive bombs; considerable damage was caused, and production will be seriously affected. Casualties reported are 56 killed and 280/ - 3 - 280 wounded. In these two raids 52 enemy aircraft were definitely destroyed. Last night enemy activity, mainly by single aircraft, extended over a wide area, but was principally directed against the Thames Estuary, Bristol Channel and Liverpool areas. Large fires were started in Tilbury Docks, but were under control before daylight. Other fires elsewhere in docks were quickly extinguished. Other bombs dropped in London area, including Westminster, causing little damage and few casualties. A sustained attack in the Liverpool area caused extensive damage to property; casualties at present reported include 15 killed. Fires were started at an oil refinery but did not reach the oil cistern and are under control. During the night our fighters shot down 2 enemy bombers. 4. Summary of Air Casulties. Enemy: Destroyed. Probable.Damaged. By our fighters during the day : Bombers: 13 3 4 Fighters 39 16 18 By our fighters during the night.. Bombers 2 o 1 Totals 54 19 23 British: 17 fighters (11 pilots safe) 5. Shipping Casualties. (a) By E. Boats. A south bound convoy was attacked by E-boats off east coast yesterday, and 3 ships total/ - 4 - (total tonnage 12,250)were sunk. (b) By U-Boat. Early yesterday morning 8.8. "Titan" (9,000 tons) outward bound to Sydney and in convoy, was sunk in north weatern approaches. 89 Europeans have been saved. 6. Middle East. Somaliland. Yesterday 3 medium bombers attacked a rail ay station and camp on Jibouti railway. PSF G.B. BRITISH EMBASSY, WASHINGTON, D.C. Secret REGRADED September 7th, 1940. Dear Mr. President, I enclose herein a copy of the latest report on the military situation. This was sent off from London early this morning. Believe me, Dear Mr. President, Very sincerely yours, Louran The Honourable Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, Washington, D. C. Telegram despatched from London early on the morning of September 7th. Haval. September 4th Fleet Air Arm aircraft from 2 aircraft carriers attacked aerodromes in Rhodes; at one an ammunition dump was set on fire and 6 aircraft were probably destroyed on the ground; at the other hits were registered on 2 main hangars. Fighter opposition was encountered and 4 aircraft failed to return. Two cruisers (one H.M. A. S. Sydney) bombarded Scarpanto with good results. The Sydney was unsuccessfully attacked by 3 E-boats, 2 of which were sunk by H. M. destroyer Ilex and the third damaged. Unsuccessful enemy air attacks were made on the Fleet during the day. 2. Royal Air Force. During night operations September 4th - 5th direct hits on Stettin synthetic oil plant were scored by almost all of 20 aircraft which attacked. At least 4 tall chimneys collapsed and very large fires were started. 011 cisterns at 2 ports were sttacked and fires caused at both places. Crews of 4 aircraft attacking oil stocks at Magdeburg report that all their bombs hit the target, starting a fire. About 100 fires were started/ started in the Hartz Mountains, and many others in the Black Forest area, and elsewhere; accom- panying explosions indicate that ammunition dumps had been set off. Fifteen aerodromes in Northern France were bombed and in every case but one direct hits were obtained and fires started. Searchlight glare hampered observation of attack on power station at Berlin, but hits were seen. Two other aircraft bombed Spandau aircraft factory. Absence of cloud prevented operations by medium bombers yesterday. Last night 95 bombers set out with following objectives: Forest areas; 011 plants at Stettin, Hamburg and near Munich, and oil stocks at Kiel; E-boats at Boulogne, barges elsewhere and the Tirpitz at Wilhelmshaven; Railways and water way targets and gun emplacements opposite Dover were also indi- cated for attack. Three heavy bombers are missing. Six heavy bombers were despatched to attack Fiat works. All these returned. 3. German Air Force. Production at Vickers Aircraft works will probably be reduced to 35% of normal this week, and 25% next week. Fires caused in Admiralty oil depot at Pembroke dock and at National 011 Refineries, previously/ previously reported, were both extinguished yesterday. Night of September 4th - 5th Fasther reported that bombing was general in Yorkshire, numerous fires were started in Darlington, and there were some casualties. Extensive bombing took place throughout East Anglia. At Manchester, hotel and residential property and public services suffered. There was some indus- trial damage in the neighbourhood, and near Liverpool Dunlop Works were hit, production affected by 50% and repairs estimated one week. Damage at Tilbury Docks was as follows: 1 shed burnt; 1 shed partially collapsed, 1 workshop partially burnt, a ship and a launch set on fire but little damaged, office building of a shipping line burnt. Yesterday 2 heavy attacks took place, the first at 9.40 consisted of about 150 enemy aircraft, and appeared to be directed against aerodromes in Kent and Essex areas. One aerodrome attacked is at present temporarily unserviceable at night, and at another 2 aircraft were damaged on the ground. Some dislocation of railway traffic and damage to house property was caused in/ in Southeastern outer suburbs of London. Balloon barrage at Dover was also attacked by 12 enemy fighters. In the afternoon a raid of about 250 strong approached the same area and Thames Estuary. Two attacks were made on one aerodrome, but damage is not serious. Thameshaven 011 Refinery was hit and 2 small petrol cisterns and 6 heavy oil cisterns fired; by early this morning the fires had been considerably reduced. Both these raids were intercepted by our fighters and casualties caused as follows: Enemy - by our fighters: 2 bombers destroyed (additional to night of September 4th-5th) 2 bombers damaged. Enemy bombers 5 destroyed,9 probable, 9 damaged. Fighters 31 destroyed, 13 probable, 6 damaged. Unidentified, 2 damaged. Unidentified, 1 destroyed and 1 damaged by anti-aircraft fire. Totals: 39 destroyed, 22 probable, 20 damaged. British: 23 fighters (11 pilots killed or missing) Last night raids started about 8.30 against Midlands and Northern areas. Later raids were concentrated mainly on Southeast counties and suburbs of London district. Mine laying was also reported off East Scotland, Thames Estuary, and South Coast. Bombs were dropped indiscriminately/