R.A.F. OFFENSIVE

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 April 1943, Page 5

R.A.F. OFFENSIVE

ENEMY SHIPS ATTACKED BOMBED IN THE DARKNESS "RUGBY, April 6. In addition to big daylight offensives, the Fighter Command has also been active during the darkness, sweeping the Channel, in search of enemy shipping. One aircraft bombed one medium and one small ship IQ miles north of Dieppe. The observer saw bombs go down on the target, and it is estimated the leading ship was hit by more than one bomb. There was a large flash and sparks followed in about three minutes by flames. Typhoons, last night, damaged two of four E-boats sighted near Le Touquet. Our fighters destroyed an enemy aircraft off the north-east coast of England to-day.

ANTWERP CASUALTIES

(Rec. 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, April G. The Berlin radio announced that according to preliminary figures, the American attack on Antwerp killed 2007 and wounded 603. There are still 130 missing. One hundred house? were destroyed. The German radio to-night denied that there had been clashes between conscripted workers and regular workers at Essen, following the big raid by the Royal Air Force on Saturday, when 900 tons of bombs were dropped on the city.

N.Z. PARTICIPATION

(N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent)

(Recd. 10.40 a.m.) LONDON, April 5

New Zealand Stirling-Ventura-Spitfire Squadrons are taking full part in the Allied round-the-clock offensive in the past 72 hours. The Stirling Squadron bombed Kiel, which is the main base of the German fleet. The pilots met bad weather with cloud and some icing but all returned safely. The Venturas again visited Rotterdam docks, where hits were observed in the target area. They were protected by fighters, three Focke Wulfs being shot down. Two Spitfires are missing. All the New Zealanders returned without loss. A New Zealand Spitfire Squadron accompanied the American Flying Fortresses and Liberators on the big raid against the Erla aero engine works at Antwerp. They too returned without loss. This is all part of what is being claimed as the greatest air offensive in history, fitting in with the big raids on Naples from North Africa. It is a dual oitensive striking at the very heart of the Axis, —home bases and production centres. , Flying Officer R. Blyth (Wanganui), Sergeant M. F. Dillon (Cambridge) and Sergeant K. Campbell (Wellington) were members ol tne crew or a Wellington bomber which carried-out three raids in four nights recently. They bombed Duisburg, St. Nazaire, and' Borkum. Flying Officer Blyth, who has now carried out 10 raids, said: “There was nothing unusual about them. There were certainly good (ires going at St. Nazaire. He and his crew were in one ol the big raids against Essen, which is among the “hottest” targets throughout Germany. He said: “There was no mistaking the target. We went in weaving, dropped our bombs, and made off for home quick and lively. On the same station is an Australian squadron in which are serving Flving Officers A. A. Maclarlane (North Canterbury), and J. B. Smith ( Wellington), arfd Flight Sergeant L. B. Renolds (Waipukurau). Squadron Leader C. W. Scott, A.I .C. (Balclutha), has been promoted to wing commander. He carried out his tour of operations with the ifth Squadron and is now commanding a training station. Sub-Lieutenant R. M. Anderson, Fleet Air Arm, who belongs to Christchurch. was landed as a survivor a<. Gibraltar while proceeding to North Africa.

SCOTT’S PROMOTION

(X.Z.I’.A. Special Correspondent)

(Recd. 11.45 a.m.) . LONDON, April 6. A distinguished New Zealander has been appointed to command the Second M ew Zealand Fighter Squadron, which is engaged in patrol work off ine south coast of England. He is 24-vcar-old Squadron Leader Desmond J. Scott, D.F.C. and Bai’. , He is regarded so highly by the Fignter Command that he rose from sergeant to Squadron Leader in nine months. Scott shot down at least five enemy planes while flying longrange Hurricanes on night intruder patrols. He used to wait over German aerodromes in enemy-occupied territory and swoop down on landing aircraft. He also carried out attacks against shipping, flying four-gun Hl Hc was S uwarded the D.F.C. on May 1 last, the citation stating that he “had displayed great skill and keenness, his exceptional devotion to duty being an admirable example. He was awarded the Bar to the D.F.C. last September. Scott succeeds Squadron Leadei C. L C Roberts, an Englishman wlio had led the squadron since its formation. The squadron s score is now twelve and a-half. Scotty, as he is known generally, is determined to improve that total.

AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON

(Rec. 10 d - m,) CANBERR A, April 7. The British Air Ministry has agreed to make the Australian squadron m Britain fully Australian, m fact as well as in name. Subject to operational exigencies, it will concentrate ’Australians in complete air crews and squadrons as soon as possible. The Air Ministry's decision follows representations by the Australian Minister for Air (Mr Drakefoid). previously some Australian squadrons in Britain were composed oi airmen from all parts of the Empire, while many Australians were serving in R.A.F. squadrons.