AMAZING.

Auckland Star, Issue 18, 22 January 1940, Page 7

AMAZING.

AIR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Little Mystery About What The Enemy Is Doing.

SPECIMENS PUBLISHED

British Official Wireless.

(Received 11.30 a.m.)

RUGBY, January 21

Some indication of tho significance ol such laconic reports as those issued yesterday by the Air Ministry, which announced that "during the last two days the Royal Air Force carried out reconnaissance flights over north-west Germany," is revealed in the publication to-day of specimens of llie remarkable photographs taken on such flights.

The photographs serve to emphasise that though frontiers may be closed, there i.s little mystery about what goes on in tho enemy «amp.

Since the beginning of the war the R.A.F. have made many flights over Germany, an<t penetrated far inland, and brought back large numbers of photographs of enemy aerodromes, bases, harbours, towns, etc., all taken during daylight reconnaissance flights.

All movements by road, rail and on the water are soon known to the Alliea, who in the matter of information have a decided advantage over the enemy. A story of courage, airmanship and technical resources lies behind Uieso reconnaissance flights.

Regarding equipment, it i* revealed that each aircraft carries two cameras, both compact and virtually fool-proof. They are designed to work in the worst circumstances, and require very little attention. One is completely automatic, and contains an iuter-chaugeahle magazine big enough to give 12.', exposures. The magazines can be changed in the air in a few seconds.

On the return from a flight ti:e magazines arc removed i\>r developing and printing. The observer makes his report, and in two or tliree liours the prints are- being inspected l,y expert.-!. * The stereoscope and magnifiers tell them lunch that was unseen even by trained observers in the aircraft. Types of craft will be recognised and activity noted.

Sometimes the pTiotcgraphs may have to be taken from as low as oOUl't or as high as 24,000 ft.