NAZIS LOSE RECORD NUMBER OF FIGHTERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 216, 12 September 1944, Page 5

NAZIS LOSE RECORD NUMBER OF FIGHTERS

COMBAT OVER REICH Biggest Luftwaffe Force For Months N.Z.P.A. and British Wireless Rec. 2 p.m. LONDON, Sept. 11. For the first time in many months the Luftwaffe was out in considerable strength to-day to intercept a force of more than 1000 heavy United States bombers, which attacked Merseburg, Lutzkendorf and Misburg, states a correspondent at Supreme Headquarters. They found themselves confronted with a formidable array of 800 escorting fighters. , Tremendous air battles ensued and the latest reports show that 170 enemy planes were destroyed. Of these 116 fell to the fighters. It is believed that this is a record number of enemy fighters to be brought down in one day. The Germans' sudden decision to take to the air was anticipated by our sending such a large escort. First reports stated that the American fighters had shot dov/n 130 enemy fighters, but a recount gave the figures as 116. The bombers shot down 17. In addition, 48 enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Forty-eight bombers and 29 fighters are missing. R.A.F. Lancasters and Halifaxes in daylight this evening attacked three synthetic oil plants in the Ruhr. Visibility was excellent, and reports indicate that the plants were heavily hit. The Luftwaffe has been reluctant to challenge Allied planes in aerial combat and during August put up onlv 425' fighters to oppose planes of the Ninth Tactical Command. It was revealed to-da;- that of these nearly a quarter were shot down. Enemy planes sighted by Ninth Tactical fighter pilots during the month numbered 600. Of these 425 gave battle and 103 were shot down. The Germans attacked only when they had marked superiority. The largest formation to face the Ninth Tactical fighters was 94 Messerschmitts, and Focke-Wulfs, which attacked two groups of Lightnings on August 25. Of these 41 were destroyed and 27 damaged. Eighteen Lightings were lost.

NAZI AIR THREAT

Rec. 1.30 p.m. LONDON, Sept. 11. The German news agency commentator, Karl Zeppelin, said the Luftwaffe would soon be equipped with new types of aircraft, based on radical technical developments and promising to revolutionist flying technique which would enable Germany to wrest air superiority from the enemy.

CHINESE DESERTERS

Rec. 11 a.m. CHUNGKING, Sept. 11

Court-martialled and convicted of neglect of duty, two Chinese battalion commanders were executed at Tunhwo. They had fled from Lishui, when the Japanese attacked, although their regimental commander remained and was killed.