R.A.F. BOMBERS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 256, 27 July 1939, Page 9

R.A.F. BOMBERS

Great Flight Over - France LATEST EXERCISES 250 Warplanes In The Manoeuvres By Telegraph*—Press Assn.—Copyright. LONDON, July 25. A large formation of British aircraft engaged in routine training exercises over French territory, leaving the south coast of England in successive waves from 7.15 a.m.. and flying under sealed orders. The flights varied in length from 800 miles to nearly twice that distance, and the speeds were up to 300 miles an hour. A total of 250 bombers with a personnel of over 1000 took part. Wellington and Whitley planes supported Blenheim bombers ou all flights without marking a stop. ■ Tlie majority of the Blenheim machines dropped down from a great height to show their wings over French cities and give the anti-aircraft crews practice. Th? flight coincided with the thirtieth anniversary of Bleriot’s Channel flight. All the bomber formations had safely returned by 1.15 p.m. . , Squadrons of French fighters which co-operated with anti-aircraft forces roared into the sky from military aerodromes throughout France to carry our interception manoeuvres. Bombers reared over Paris at half-hourly intervals. Thousands' of people crowded the streets and watched the mimic battle spellbound. They saw the planes harrying the bombers as far as could be seen to the horizon. The Imperial Airways airliner Fiona, of the Frobisher class, on a flight from Paris to Croydon, was also diverted today from her usual cross-Chaunel route and flew directly over Calais and Dover as a tribute to Bleriot’s flight.