AIR BATTLES

Evening Star, Issue 24116, 10 February 1942, Page 5

AIR BATTLES

R.A.F. SUPERIORITY ENEMY ATTACKS COMMUNICATIONS (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. 10.40 a.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 9. A Singapore message states; “ There wore air battles over the Singapore area this morning. It is understood that one Japanese bomber, was destroyed and that six fighters were damaged. All our planes returned safely. A fourth air raid took place this afternoon, but the city, according to a correspondent, was untouched. From a roof-top observation post the attack appeared to be directed against the north-west area of the island, where fighting is at present proceeding. “ The Japanese are shelling and bombing communications in the effort to minimise the British counter-attack, the launching of which was not known at the time of cabling (7.31 p.m. local time).”

“CITADEL OF THE SPIRIT” SINGAPORE’S SIGNIFICANCE TEST OF BRITISH CHARACTER (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Feb. 8. The intensity with which the eyes of the world are ‘directed on Singapore is reflected by the comment in the British Sunday Press, which emphasises that nothing but sheer fighting power and working power, will bring the Allies through the Axis onslaughts this year. Mr J. L. Garvin, in the ‘ Observer, links this fact closely with the Far Eastern struggle. “Singapore is under siege,” he says. “It is not only a fortress for material purposes, but a citadel of the spirit. It is a symbol for the whole Empire and for the whole alliance of united nations. It is watched by all the world, and especially by all Asia, as a test of British character against the Japanese.” Surveying the position from a wider angle, Mr Garvin added: “As reinforcements of all kinds arrive from Britain and the United States every week during the difficult months to come they will reduce the Japanese advantage and nourish the offensive enterprise of the Allies. The commander of the American forces, General Douglas MacArthur, in his improvised stronghold on the, Philippines, is still making his own heroic fight for time, and every moment of it has been worth while. “ Far and wide the admirable Dutch are defending every attacked point with historic stubbornness and doing their utmost to destroy -what they cannot save. It is for Singapore to sot the toughest example of all bv a defence that will be for ever held in renown.”