LUFTWAFFE NOW

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 35, 11 February 1943, Page 5

LUFTWAFFE NOW

LOSING INITIATIVE Messerschmitt 109G Best Fighter In Tunisia N.Z. Press Association.—Copyright Rec. 11 a.m. LONDON, Feb. 10. Allied authorities freely admit that the German Luftwaffe is still able to put up more fighters and bombers than the Allies in any small sector in Tunisia, especially in the central and southern areas, says the British United Press correspondent in North Africa. The Luftwaffe, two months ago, undisputedly dominated the skies, but since then it has gradually been losing the initiative.

Allied Wellington and Halifax bombers are doing brilliant work in night attacks from Malta and Middle East bases. Plying Fortresses are proving equally effective in daylight attacks on Tunis, Bizerta and elsewhere.

Even crack Spitfire pilots who recently arrived in Tunisia from Britain admit that the Messerschmitt 109G is the best fighter in North Africa. R.A.F. pilots have outfought these planes, but principally because of their greater skill. The American Lightning fighter plane is not regarded as comparable with the Spitfire in rough and tumble dog-fights. Allied air experts are eagerly awaiting the completion of aerodromes nearer the front so that they will be able to launch a large-scale air offensive against Axis targets in Southern Europe, especially in Italy.