OFFICER DEFENDED.
AIR FORCES IN PHILIPPINES. (Special Australian Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) SYDNEY, June- 30. General MacArthur to-day warmly defended the commander of the American Air Forces in the Philippines (Major-General Lewis H. Breretom against charges of inefficiency during the campaign. His defence is believed to have been provoked by criticism published in the United States. In a statement, issued without comment, General MacArthur said criticisms implying faulty judgment or neglect in failing to take proper security measures, resulting in the destruction of the American Air Forces on the ground, did a grave injustice to General Brereton and his gallant subordinates. ,
The force under General Brereton’s command comprised only 35 heavy bombers and 72 fighters. This force was greatly handicapped by havingonly one airfield —Clark Field —usable by heavy bombers, and only live useable by fighters. “General Brereton’s tiny air force was crushed by sheer weight of numbers. Its combat crews fought valiantly, but were hopelessly outnumbered,” said General MacArthur.
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Bibliographic details
Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 219, 26 June 1943, Page 3
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158OFFICER DEFENDED. Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 219, 26 June 1943, Page 3
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