SUPPORT FOR THE ARMY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 69, 19 September 1944, Page 5

SUPPORT FOR THE ARMY

N.Z. SPITFIRE SQUADRON

(Special P.A. Correspondent.)

Rec. 9 .a.m

NORTHERN FRANCE, Sept. 17,

The New Zealand Spitfire Squadron co-operated with the army in direct forward support for the first time in its career when, on September 13, with two other squadrons, it strafed with cannon-shell strong German gun emplacements three miles south of Boulogne and one mile in front of the British troops. The attack was a complete success.

The Germans had formed a strongpoint with pill-boxes and mortars, and were hiding in shell holes which the army had found it difficult to quieten. Thirty-six Spitfires soon altered the situation. The army laid down a barrage to quieten the antiaircraft defences and then fired smoke markers over the target. Immediately the barrage ended, the Spitfires dived down, firing from 3000 feet to ground level. They re-formed over the sea and then returned for a second attack, this time meeting some flak. The New Zealanders are led by Squadron Leader J. Niven D.F.C This Spitfire squadron is the first of the Now Zealand squadrons to operate in France. Tlie pilots are naturally pleased to be up in the forward area. The squadron arrived in France towards the end of August and was at first based on an airfield near Caen. From there they carried out many attacks against German motor transport near Abbeville and Amiens with considerable success. Later they moved into northern France, whence they attacked transport barges in Holland, also blowing up a railway train with an impressive explosion. The squadron then moved up a further 100 miles.

The pilots, of course, are living under canvas, camping conditions to which they became well accustomed while in England.

Two of the pilots, who were shot down over France in the summer of 1943 but escaped and returned to England, have flown over the building where they hid and were aided. One dropped a note by parachute saying that he would make a personal call

later. He also dropped chocolates and cigarettes. •

Just before the New Zealand squadron left England for France it helped to provide a fighter escort for R.A.F. heavy bombers which made their first daylight attack in two years. It was the first time bombers had been escorted all the way to Germany and back. It was-also the first time the New. Zealand Squadron had operated over Germany. The target attacked, was at Homburg. Flight Lieutenant L. Black, of Levin, said: "We struck no fighter opposition, but the flak was terrific; it was something we had never experienced before. Nobody was hit, which was miraculous, as exploding shells left a deep, broad carpet of black smoke covering an area of several miles."