AIR ONSLAUGHT

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 118, 14 February 1944, Page 5

AIR ONSLAUGHT

Frankfurt And Pas de Calais

LONDON, February 11. Another air onslaught on the European fortress was launched from bases in Britain today. The offensive was in two parts—a long-range blow at Frankfurt, the big industrial city in south-west Germany. and one of short range on the military target zone in northern France. Twenty-four hours after the big American attack on Brunswick, Fortresses made the 800-mile round trip to blast Frankfurt for the second time this week. Frankfurt is a No. 1 priority target because of its many industries vital to the German war effort. These include chemical works, aircraft factories, and chemical plants. Frankfurt is also the centre of the rail network covering southwest Germany and beyond. It has now been attacked five times by American bombers operating from this country. While the Fortresses were striking deep inside Germany, American . Liberators made a short hop across the Straits of Dover to bomb more targets in the Pas de Calais area. Their bombs could be heard on this side of the Channel.. American Marauders on a special mission attacked another military target zone. American, R.A.F., Canadian, and Allied Spitfires covered these missions. The Liberator and Marauder crews say that they met no challenge from the Luftwaffe’s fighters’ strength and returned without' loss, but a correspondent at an American bomber base in this country says that the Liberators met heavy anti-aircraft fire. ' ' Mosquitoes of the Bomber Command attacked objectives in Berlin and western Germany last' nisht. Mines were laid in. enemy waters. Ail our aircraft returned.

LONG ROUND TRIP

Targets In Southern France

LONDON, February 13. The R.A.F. has joined in the Mediterranean battle with a round trip of 1200 miles to attack objectives in the south of France. Another force raided western Germany and mines were laid in enemy shipping lanes. One aircraft is missing. The Rir Ministry states: “On Friday night Mosquitoes of the Bomber Command attacked objectives in central and western Germany. Mines were laid in enemy waters. None of our aircraft is missing.” Early on Friday night there was slight enemy activity over south-east England, including the London area. Bombs were dropped at several places. Some damage was done and there was a small number of casualties. Fewer than 20 German aircraft crossed the English coast. Of these four reached London.