LONG-RANGE PLANES OVER ATLANTIC

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23971, 11 June 1943, Page 5

LONG-RANGE PLANES OVER ATLANTIC

OPERATIONS AGAINST U-BOATS LONDON, June 9. Very long range aircraft, known as VLR’s are operating under the Coastal Command against U-boats in the Atlantic. according to an announcement by Mr Churchill. Some details about these aircraft were released to-day by the Air Ministry, They are Liberators fitted with extra fuel tanks which give them a range of at least 2000 miles. Operating from west Atlantic bases they have done much to reduce the gap in midAtlantic where most of the •shipping losses occur,, and which has not previously been effectively covered by anti-U-boat defences. The VLR’s spend as much as 18 hours in the air at a time, making these patrols one of the toughest jobs in the Air Force. From the time the crews are briefed until their interrogation by intelligence officers is completed the crews have been on duty j continuously for 24 hours—often, as I pilots state, “without the stimulus provided by finding and fighting a Üboat.’’ - NEW WAR HANDBOOKS AT SIMPSON and WILLIAMS. LTD. "Fighting Fit.” hints on health for soliders, 2/-. "How to Use the Prismatic Compass,” 4/-. "This War Against Japan,” thoughts on the present conflict in the Far East, by lan Morrison. 2/9. “Elementary Aircraft Mathematics.” a revision course,' 2/6. “Emergency Hints for Home Nursing.” contains 100 illustrations, 1/8. fPostages extra). Simpson and Williams. Ltd., 288 High st.. Christchurch. ~l_