CRACK SPITFIRE SQUADRON

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 280, 21 August 1940, Page 9

CRACK SPITFIRE SQUADRON

Fresh Laurels Earned TALLY IN STRENUOUS SUNDAY

< British Oilicial Wireless.)

RUGBY’, August 19. A Spitfire squadron which has destroyed or damaged more than 130 enemy aircraft since the war began wot) fresh laurels in yester-

day’s great enemy attack.

Early 'in. the ■ day some of the squadron's pilots chased a Messerschmitt; .110 over the south-east of England at 30,000 feet and brought it down. Later, in the first of the two mass raids, the squadron again went into action and after some tierce combats returned to its'base to report that J it had destroyed four Messerschmitt j 109's. Three other raiders were probably sent crashing to the sea and six more are believed: to have been damaged. by titc same squadron. Ju -the evening the squadron scored .vet further successes, destroying four Messerschmitt. ,110’s and one Dornier .17. In addition, it probably destroyed three Messerschmitt 110’s and damaged another four of the same tyij>e. together with two Heinkel Ill's, making the bag for the day 10 enemy aircraft destroyed, six probably destroyed, and 12 damaged. It was this squadron which saw the main formation of enemy bombers, which it was about to attack, turn backunder anti-aircraft fire. The only casualty which the squadron sustained during the day was slight damage by bullets to two aircraft. None of the pilots was hurt. It was a strenuous day for them ail.

The squadron leader, who had brought down several enemy aircraft, spoke of terrific dogfights and described how his pilots more than once had torn up into the sky from 3000 feet to 30,000 feet in search of the enemy. A New Zealand pilot who was recently awarded the D.F.C. not only helped to destroy a Messerschmitt 110 iu the morning, but also damaged a Dornier 215 in the first mass raid, and brought down a Messerschmitt 110 and probably destroyed two other raiders in the evening.

! NAZI PROPAGANDA SUCCESS Position In Belgium KING’S ALLEGIANCE NOT YET AVON (Received August 20, 8.10 p.m.) LONDON, August 20. A correspondent of “The Tinies” lately in Belgium says German propaganda lias been notably successful in Belgium, where the invaders are gratefully accepting a considerable amount of co-operation, which is willingly given. The substitution of German military officials for the provincial governors is almost the only major change from the old dispensation. Nothing has not been done to blacken

the British, and in Jess degree the French, in Belgian eyes. This is not difficult, itecause the King still holds the affection of his people, many of whom were profoundly shocked by the attitude of the Allies, especially the Pierlot Government, to the Royal capitulation. The triumphs of German propa- ; ganda. are less marked as the occupation lengthens. It is rather overdone, fl’lm Germans also have not yet been successful in capturing the King’s allegiance to the new order. King Leopold is the key to the Belgian situation. The future would be simple if he could be persuaded to ac-

cept. responsibility and form a Government under German dictation, but the King has consistently refused to cooperate in any way with the Germans, despite all kinds of political and personal pressure. The German plans for Belgium are doomed to failure if King Leopold maintains his present attitude. No amount of propaganda and no amount of apparent German willingness to listen to Belgian troubles will turn aside the stark facts of economic disaster. Belgium is likely to become a grave liability if the war cannot be finished very shortly. Tempers ou both sides are likely to become worn under the rub of economic necessity. If that happens, Belgium’s old spirit of defiance will certainly reassert itself.

SPANISH POLICY Government Dissociated From Newspaper View (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, August 19. Following is the text of a letter from the Spanish Foreign Minister to the British Ambassador iu Madrid dissociating (lie Spanish Government from the view on Anglo-Spanish relations expressed in a recent article in the Falangist newspaper “Ariba”: “My dear Ambassador and Friend.— With reference to the subject, of otir recent conversation regarding the

article which appeared in tlie periodical 'Ariba' on August 13, and will) reference to tlie representations made lo me by your Excellency and your Excellency’s Government, I am in a position to state the following points: "The Spanish Government neither has accused nor does it accuse His Majesty’s Government of participation in, or knowledge of, the attempt made against the Campsa deposits al Alicante, which caused one victim. Further, tlie Spanish Government cannot, as your Excellency will agree is logical. pronounce on the facts, or the authority of the said attempt, till the trial takes place. This will be held publicly as soon its the judicial authorities’complete the case.” OFFER TO SERVE I French At Alexandria LONDON, August 20. Erench sailors from tlie demiii Itirized Erench naval forces at Alex audriti have decided to light alongside General de Gaulle's free French forces and are offering themselves for service anywhere and in any capacity. UGANDA WAR FUND (British Olfii’inl Wireless., RUGBY, August 111.

The Uganda War Eiiud (bmmillce lias sent a further 1’75(10 to Britain, ■bringing the total contribution, since .Tilly 1, to the war effort to £39,000.