ALLIES ON TOP

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 188, 11 August 1941, Page 7

ALLIES ON TOP

AIR WAR REVERSED

Changes Since R.A.F. Won The Battle Of Britain British Official Wireless. Rec. 1 p.m. RUGBY, Aug. 10. A year ago the Battle of Britain j was in its opening phases and continued through a crisis of great intensity until it faded away at the end of October with the repulse of the German air force. This August sees the role of the rival air forces somewhat changed. The R.A.F. as long ago as January 10 took the first step towards the offensive which from June has assumed increasing proportions both by day and night. The Luftwaffe's scene of intensive action has shifted to the East, especially as regards its night bombing forces, but it is leaving very adequate defensive tighter strength in the west. The offensive action of the R.A.F. is naturally a reflection of its growing strength and the gradual attainment of the long term policy which the British air staff laid down and is resolutely following. The policy shows a gradually increasing curve of qualitative and quantitative strength is being maintained at tiie same time as the offensive action becomes ever more intensive. The general view held indicates that the weight of informed opinion is that any immediate assistance to Russia would be slight if a "short war" policy were adopted and the casualties which the German defences ai e able to inflict would seriously mortgage the future. Deep raids 1,-y the conventional type of bombers cannot be made into enemy territory by day without prohibitive losses unless dominance is effectively gained or a sufficient number of stratosphere aircraft are available, as well as long-range fighters. Meanwhile, the discharge of bombs in Germany will gradually increase as the air force grows, and bv remaining proportional to its strength, both in quality and quantity, represents the real growth of its power and will continue until the Nazi force is completely overwhelmed.