STRENGTH OF R.A.F.

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20638, 19 August 1941, Page 9

STRENGTH OF R.A.F.

RAPIDITY OF GROWTH FIGHTERS AND BOMBERS LONDON, Aug. 13. “The present Royal Air Force activity over Germany and occupied territories in north-west Europe is in the nature of a preliminary bombardment,” states the London editor of the Daily Telegraph. “I am able to say positively that these raids have been most effective. “I am informed that the Royal Air Force bomber strength is at least six times as great as when Wellington bombers were raiding Germany last year. This does not mean that we have six times as many bombing aeroplanes. It means that our present bombers are that much more effective and efficient. “It is probably true to say that, numerically, our bomber strength next January will be double that of last January. Our fighter strength has increased even more in numbers. Our present fighters and those in production are immeasurably superior to those which defeated the German Air Force in the Battle for Britain last year. “American aeroplanes are very highly regarded. Tomahawk fighters, many of them piloted by Austialians, are showing themselves to be very effective in the Middle East, while Glenn Martin Marylands, medium bombers, have also shown their worth there.”