NAZI PLANES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 113, 14 May 1940, Page 7

NAZI PLANES

TOLL SINCE MAY 10

WORK OF THE R.A.F.

ENEMY TROOPS BOMBED

(Official Wireless and U.P.A.)

(Receiv.ed May 14, 1 p.m.)

LONDON, May 13

It is officially estimated that the Germans have lost 400 planes since May 10. The Air Ministry announced: "Intensive operations by the R.A.F. continue on all parts of the front. Considerable numbers of enemy bombers have been encountered, often escorted by fighters. The striking success of our fighters' defence may explain the fantastic claims made by the enemy as to the number of Spitfires destroyed. Actually only one Spitfire Avas forced down after a battle near Rotterdam early this morning, in which a flight of Spitfires shot down three enemy dive bombers and at least one of the fighters escorthr them. The Spitfire pilot escaped uninjured.

"Attacks on our aerodromes today have been less intense. Little damage to the aerodromes was done and the casualties were slight. The advance of enemy troops has been impeded by a series of successful night bombing attacks on both sides of the Dutch frontier."

The Air Ministry announced that Whitley and Wellington aeroplanes during the night carried out a series of attacks against enemy communications in Germany between the Rhine and the Dutch frontier. A force of Blenheims heavily bombed enemy troops advancing through eastern Belgium. All except one of the planes engaged in these operations returned safely. It also announced that the R.A.F. carried out a series of successful bombing attacks last night against the aerodrome at Waalhaven, which again changed hands yesterday and was used as a base by the enemy.

The reoccupation of Waalhaven by the enemy has been followed by a series of bombing attacks which restricted the use of this aerodrome. Daylight bombing attacks have, been successfully carried out against enemy columns in Belgium and Luxemburg. Intense opposition was encountered resulting in some loss to our bomber squadrons. "Coastal Command aircraft have been engaged patrolling the Dutch coast and accounted for several enemy fighters. Attacks were also made on enemy patrol vessels "

The Air Ministry states that British fighters shot down over 40 more German aircraft of various types at very small cost.

A young Australian fighter pilot claims to* have brought down six German planes in the past three days, making his total bag 11 since the outbreak of the war.

The German news agency asserts that 50 Allied planes were brought down this morning.