LOSSES BY NAZIS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20209, 30 March 1940, Page 5

LOSSES BY NAZIS

THREE" PLANES DOWN ATTACK ON CONVOYS BERLIN CLAIM DENIED WESTERN FRONT REPORTS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. March 30, 11 a.m.) LONDON, March 29 The French High Command states that heavy German artillery is in action between the Saar and the Vosges. The French batteries replied vigorously. Snowfall reduced air activity. A German Dornier machine which was reconnoitring in north-east France crashed and the crew were killed. It is believed that the crash was due to engine trouble or the storm. The first Polish planes manned recently by trained crews and also by some who fought against the German invaders, have joined the French forces on the Western Front. The Berlin High Command claims that in the attack on the convoy announced last night, six large merchant ships were hit by bombs, one being set on fire and one escorting warship was sunk. All the planes returned unharmed A communique issued by the Admiralty states that an enemy aeroplane attacked a convoy in the North Sea. Five bombs were dropped, but no damage was done. The Berlin official news agency early this morning claimed that the German Air Force had successfully attacked a British convoy off the Shetlands last evening and also a French destroyer in the English Channel. The agency stated that the convoy was scattered and that several ships were hit.

The German Air Force yesterday also carried out extensive reconnaissance flights over the North Sea. including the Orkneys and the Shetlands. It admits that two planes have not returned.