AIR ATTACKS OVER BEACH-HEAD

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 115, 10 February 1944, Page 5

AIR ATTACKS OVER BEACH-HEAD

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) LONDON, February 8. Yesterday a strong formation of fighters and fighter r bombers was used by -the Luftwaffe in attacks op the Allied beachhead south of Rome, states a correspondent at Allied headquarters. It is estimated that more than 120 Nazi planes attacked the area, with bomb-carrying Focke-Wulf 190’s in the majority. Messerschmitt 109’s flew as escorts and many spectacular aerial dogfights developed. The Germans lost 16 FWl9o’s and three Melo9’s against an Allied loss of four American fighters. At least another 12 German aircraft were damaged. Many of the raiding formations were broken up before they reached their objectives, but some managed to drop bombs on the Allied positions., American fighters at times flew over the suburbs of Rome during running fights. Five other enemy.aircraft were destroyed by Spitfires of the R.A.F. Coastal Command. One was a Messerschmitt 210 and the others Heinkel 126’s. In all, 24 enemy aircraft were destroyed. The total Allied loss was five. Invaders, Warhawks, Bostons, and Mitchells continued to attack enemy troops, concentrations, supply routes and communications near the beach-head battle line'. •' '