GALLANT FIGHTERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 230, 28 September 1943, Page 3

GALLANT FIGHTERS

American Tribute To Royal Air Force BATTLE OP BRITAIN TRIBUTE British Official Wireless Rec. 10 a.m. RUGBY, Sept. 27. I A stirring tribute to the Royal Air Force was paid by the Chief of the United States Air Force, General Arnold, in a personal telegram .to Air Chief-Marshal, Sir Charles Portal, on the third anniversary of the Battle of Britain. General Arnold recalled that three years ago, after a struggle lasting from dawn to dusk over a period of 50 days, the Luftwaffe first gave up its attempt to cross Britain's skies in daylight. The conflict with British pilots was to continue unabated

for 84 days in all until the enemyrealised that Britain was invulnerable. The enemy had intended to ground the R.A.F. as a prelude to invasion, but the R.A.F. could not be grounded. It was because of the valiant fighters that beleaguered Britain was able to hold out. "The change we see in our fortunes and prospects," General Arnold continued, "could not have been accomplished without the victory which we now commemorate. Mr. Churchill, in a recent statement, has given us the facts—the R.A.F. is now maintaining nearly 50 per cent more first-lire aircraft on all war fronts than tho Luftwaffe. The British and American air forces are being supplied with an ever increasing number of new aircraft, exceeding i the corresponding German supply by ■ more than four to one. The United j States Army Air Forces join whole- ■ heartedly with Britain in paying tribute to the dauntless Royal Air Force and are proud to be fighting side by side with the gallant airmen to whom the United States owes so much." I AIRMEN FROM N.Z. 24 IN LONDON PARADE N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent Rec. 2.30 p.m. LONDON, Sept. 27. Twenty-four members of the R.N.Z.A.F., who recently arrived m England, took part in the parade which celebrated the Battle oi Britain yesterday. They were led d_ Flight-Lieutenant W. S col lay, of Wellington, of the 75th Zealand) Squadron.