The Pittsburgh Press (July 8, 1941)
RAIDS ON REICH BRING NAZI RETALIATION
By Helen Kirkpatrick
London, July 8 –
The persistent and increasingly heavy Royal Air Force bombings of western Germany and military targets in occupied France, day and night, have finally drawn forth a retaliatory move from the Nazis.
While the RAF was pounding the Rhineland for the 25th consecutive night, the Nazis attacked Southampton in their first raid of any size on any British city since the middle of May. Substantial damage was done and casualties, while not believed to have been heavy, included a number of killed.
Incendiaries played a large part in the raid.
The raid may be confirmation of the belief that pressure inside Germany has been increasing. Reports from underground sources reaching Allied governments in London indicate that the raids of the past three weeks have caused considerable damage and have also badly shaken the morale of the Rhinelanders.
A report regarded as reliable by one Allied government, states that Cologne has been so constantly a target that Cologners have taken to moving outside the city nightly. Many are said to have gone to Aachen, from whence they have trekked across the Dutch frontier.