WAR IN THE AIR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20257, 27 May 1940, Page 7

WAR IN THE AIR

NAZI CASUALTIES PLANES PUT DOWN 120 IN THREE DAYS BRITISH ATTACKS CHECKING- RAIDERS (Klee. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. May 27, 9 a.m.) LONDON. May 25. Spitfires, Hurricanes and BoultonPaul Defiants destroyed or seriously damaged 40 more German bombers and fighters on the French and Belgian fronts. The British casualties were one-quarter of that number. The Royal Air Force’s total victories for three days is 120 planes. Royal Air Force fighter pilots are putting out of action over 40 German /aiders # daily. Thirty-one of yesterday’s successes were seen to break up in the air, bursts into flames or crash on landing. One squadron of Spitfires accounted for 18 enemy machines' and another Spitfire squadron accounted for 13. The destroyed enemy planes were of seven different types, including army co-operation, Henschel 126 and even one Condor. The day’s fighting began and ended with the destruction of a Henschel. Nazi Planes in Flames The first Henschel was attacked by Spitfires early in the morning and was seen to break up in the air and burst into flames south-east of Calais. The last Henschel tried to escape by hedge-hopping over the fields before it crashed into flames near the same place. When a Hurricane squadron attacked a formation of 30 Heinkel and Dornier bombers between Calais and Dunkirk, their protecting Messerschmitt 110’s held off from the fight. The Hurricanes shot down five and probably seven of the bombers at 'll,oooft. Then they climbed to 22,000 ft. and put three Messerschmitts out of action. Eleven Spitfire pilots, who shot down 11 enemy aircraft, were also attacking bombers protected by Messerschmitts, this time shooting down four Messerschmitt lo9’s. Another Spitfire squadron spread Its success over the day. They shot down a Henschel near Calais at breakfast time, a Condor near Ostenu before lunch, a Dornier 17 and a Junkers 88 a little later and another Dornier 17 and two more Junkers 88’s at tea time and two Messerschmitts before dinner