FIGHTERS READY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 81, 16 January 1940, Page 5

FIGHTERS READY

TO MEET GERMAN AIR RAIDS. SUPERIOR, COME WHAT MAY. THE CIVILIAN DEFENCE PLANS. (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Day, 11.5 a.m.) LONDON, January 15. That the Royal Air Force fighters could bring an enemy air offensive on Britain to a standstill in a comparatively short space of time by losses which would be inflicted on raiding bombers is the opinion held in authoritative London circles. Although tribute is paid to the efficiency of the self-sealing petrol tanks carried by the Heinkel bombers, which increases the difficulty in shooting them down in their spasmodic appearance over British shores, it- is pointed out neither British aeroplane design, nor armament is standing still and British fighters will shortly be able to shatter those tanks ,which at present, though riddled with bullets, do not leak sufficiently' to . prevent; them reaching home : again. ; " -y

The skill and courage of the .night-; flying German pilots is fully recognised, and it is appreciated hv men of the Fighter Command. Neither British industries nor thei civil: population will be safe until a full offensive breaks out and the percentage of losses which the enemy will suffer affects the morale of the German pilots. British towns have so far been spared devastation by air raids, against which precautions of civilian defence were taken, but the preparations made in the first days of the war have not been relaxed. The Civilian Defence organisation stands ready. A million and a quarter volunteer workers are at their posts and training goes on.