ATTACK WEAKENS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 19, 2 November 1940, Page 5

ATTACK WEAKENS.

FEWER AND SMALLER PLANES.

GERMAN LOSSES OVER BRITAIN.

LONDON, October 31

“The Times,” in a. leading article, says: “Germany lost about 250 planes over Britain in October, compared with the usual monthly total of more than 1000, hut if the material casualties were fewer the loss of prestige was far greater. • " "

“The figures confirm that the attempt to blast a way for an invasion has definitely failed. The reported use of Italian planes must be an effort to mask the repulse of purely German forces by' a demonstration of Axis solidarity; but it cannot conceal the fact that smaller numbers of aircraft- are delivering, attacks. Also, fighters and fighter-bombers capable of carrying smaller loads are being employed, arid tactics have been revised to avoid combat. -

“Moreover, the attacks are generally less intense, even at night. The enemy losses at night are heavier, in spite of the use of fewer aeroplanes, which may be an additional sign that Germany cannot hope to do at night what she has failed to do by day. “The defeat of air attack as an instrument of invasion does not mean that the threat of invasion has passed,” says “The Times.” “AVe must recognise that mastery in the air must still ho won everywhere, and that the possibility of a renewed assault against Britain is not merely something the enemy wants us to believe.”

CLEARING UP AFTER RAIDS. APPEAL FOR LABOUR RESERVE. LONDON, October 31. The Ministry of Labour is urgently appealing for the formation of a labour reserve iu each, employment exchange area to keep London clear. The duty of the reserve would he clearing up debris from air raids and salvaging property from damaged premises. The Ministry emphasises that more men arc still required for the work.