A GOOD RECORD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 301, 27 September 1940, Page 5

A GOOD RECORD.

CANADIAN AIR PILOTS.

100 GERMAN PLANES CRASHED.

LONDON, September 24. More encouragement to those who have suffered loss in London is given .by thi© exploits of Canadian pilots fighting with the Royal Air Fierce. The Canadian fighter squadron has been, in action six times in the last fortnight and lias destroyed more than 100 enemy machines. Whew the German attacks on the London docks started on September 7,' the day that 'Reichs Marshal Goering sent 350 aeroplanes against London, the ,Canadians attacked a. large formation and shot doiyu 12- of them, four Dormer horn hers, six Messerschmitt fighter-bombers, and two single-seator fighters. Raiders approaching London 1 on anothe|r occasion were met over the Thames by the Canadian squadron, in company with other fighter squadrons. The Canadians dived on the largest formation, which was in the lead, and chased them urv the river, over the Houses of Parliament and Hammersmith. One of the pilots, who shot down a raider on, this occasion, was formerly a commercial salmon fisherman in British Columbia. Ho lias accounted for six bombers. The Canadians’ most notable exploit was on September 18, when they helped to give the German bombers the biggest heating of the. war. They met 20 bombers in close formation over the Thames and shot down 14, nine Dormers and five Junkers. So well as the All Canadians did over Dunkirk, much of their fine fighting Has been done over the streets and docks of London. The Royal Canadian Air Force squadron; which came into action in August has done all its fighting in home defence. In its last six flights the All Canadians have de- 1 stjroyed 55 enemy pilots against the loss"of only two of their own pilots. The Royal Canadian Air Force squadron, more newly arrived, is proud that it came to England as a complete unit with Canadian-built Hurricanes, a full supply of spares and its own motor transport. Eighty-three. of their ground staff gained their knowledge of. fighter aircraft under the Empire Training Scheme. Like the All Canadians the Royal Canadian Air Force squadron is proud to have fought for London.