ROLE REVERSED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20630, 11 August 1941, Page 6

ROLE REVERSED

R.A.F. AND LUFTWAFFE BRITISH ON OFFENSIVE YEAR’S TRANSFORMATION (Elec. Tel. Copy right—United Press Assn.) (British Oflieial Wireless.) Reed. 2 p.m. RUGBY, Aug. 10. This time a year ago the Battle of Britain was in the opening phases, and continued through a crisis of intensity until it faded away at the end of October, with the' repulse of tlr. German air force. This August sees the role of the rival air forces somewhat changed. The Royal Air Force as long ago as January 10 took the first step towards the offensive which, from June, assumed increasing proportions both by day and night. The Luftwaffe's scene of intensive action has shifted to the east, especially as regards its night bombing forces, but leas ing, however, very adequate defensive fighter strength in the west. The offensive action ol' the Ro3 r al Air Force is naturally a reflection of the growing strength and the gradual attainment of the long-term policy which the British air staff laid clown and is resolutely following. The policy shows the gradually increasing curve of qualitative and quantitative strength maintained at the same time as offensive action becomes ever more intensive. The general view held indicates that the weight of informed opinion is to the effect that any immediate assistance to Russia would be slight if a “short-war” policy were adopted and the casualties which the German defences would be able to inflict would seriously mortgage the future. Deep raids by a conventional type of bomber cannot be made into enemy territory by day without prohibitive losses, unless dominance is effectively gained or sufficient in number. The discharge of bombs in Germany will gradually increase as the air force grows and, by remaining proportional to the strength, botli in quality and quantity, represents a real growth of power which will continue until the Nazi force is -completely overwhelmed.