Newspaper cutting - fantastic flash

Newspaper cutting - fantastic flash

Report on the use of new 'Ten-Ton Tess' bomb. Notes effect of burst and release.

One newspaper cutting

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NWakefieldHE171016-04

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FANTASTIC FLASH

Here are the first reports on "Ten-Ton Tess," as the Service calls the new bomb:-

Squadron Leader C.C. Calder, D.S.O. and D.F.C., of Forres, said: "I thought it would have a surprising effect. As it burst it felt as though someone had hit me severely in the back. I didn't expect the kick quite so soon. The force of the explosion caused a pain in my spine which lasted for more than a minute. We were lifted well over 500 feet.

His bomb-aimer, Flight-Lieutenant C.B. Crafer, of Chingford, Essex, said: "I was lying on my stomach in the bomb bay, and as soon as I pressed the bomb release I was immediately shot up from the floor and came down with a bang which knocked me breathless.

"The force of the explosion was worse than from the severest flak. The bomb exploded with a fantastic flash and was smothered at once by a high column of smoke."