AMERICAN CONSULATE
 
      Southampton, England.
 
      November 27, 1940.
 
      The American Consul General, 
 
      London.
 
      
 
 
Sir:
 
      
Air Raid Report: Week ended November 24, 1940.
 
      The week under review was by far the worst yet experienced in 
      Southampton. Although there were only 17 alarms, their duration 
      was 61 hours and 38 minutes, a record. Final figures of casualties 
      were not yet available, but they amounted to at least 428 of 
      which 113 were killed and 197 seriously injured. The number of 
      dead for the night of November 23 has already risen 85 and more 
      bodies are expected to be found.
 
      
 
 
All the bombings this week were during darkness and occurred 
      on four days. The material damage done was considerable and large 
      numbers of persons were rendered homeless. Besides dwellings, 
      considerable business property - including large shops on the 
      main business street - was destroyed; the civic center, a new 
      building;: and the pride of Southampton, was further damaged 
      by two large bombs, one of which wrecked an entrance and the 
      other seriously damaged the police section. Many fires broke 
      out the night of November 25 and fire-fighting apparatus was 
      rushed from all neighboring towns. Fortunately, there was little 
      wind and the fire was prevented from spreading. The street car 
      service, except in outlying districts, is still out of action 
      and electric power and gas are lacking in many sections owing 
      to cutting of mains. The main railway station - the Central Station- 
      received direct hits and was partially destroyed.
 
      All things considered, there was very little military damage 
      done. H.M.'S and incendiaries hit the docks, two ships were hit 
      and badly damaged, but the fires were kept under control and 
      failed to spread.
 
      
 
 
Since the raid there has been a large exodus of people from 
      Southampton, some going permanently, others sleeping out and 
      returning to work each day. The population of Winchester, towns 
      which has so far failed to receive bomb, is said to be at  %least 
      doubled and rooms are renting at a large premium.
 
      As of possible interest, there are attached copies of reports 
      of some of the field Security Police, which however, cover only 
      a small area of the town. Please note that these reports are 
      furnished to me in strict confidence. The F.S.P. are not even 
      attempting to cover in their reports all the bombed property.
 
 
      Very truly yours,
 
      (Sg) G.K. DONALD,
 
      American Consul General.