GREAT AIR ACTIVITY

Grey River Argus, 8 November 1939, Page 7

GREAT AIR ACTIVITY

ON WEST FRONT Enemy Lose Nine Planes i REMARKABLE FRENCH SUCCESS. [British Official Wireless.] RUGBY, November 6. To-night’s French official communique states: There was great activity by aviators on both sides. During a violent fight, nine French fighters attacked a group of 27 German fighters. Nine of the latter were brought down, of which seven fell within our territory. Every one of our planes engaged in this encounter returned safely. The Air Ministry announced that British aircraft successfully reconnoitred West Germany and secured valuable photographs. One ’plane has not returned. German planes flew over the Allied lines once, but the French penetrated German territory more deeply. Greatest Air Battle Yet FRENCHMEN’S TRIUMPH. EVERY ONE “GOT HIS MAN.” (Received November 7, 7.10 p.m.) LONDON, November 7. Detailing the conflict between French and German planes, the “Daily Mail” says: It was the greatest air battle since the war began, and ended in the rout of the Nazi attackers. The Frenchmen outclassed and out-manoeuvred the German airmen in the most violent air fighting that has yet been seen. “The Germans’ machines, one after another, crashed to earth, until the raiders finally wheeled and fled home. Every French flier ‘got his man.’ ” The “Daily Herald” says: The French fighter planes are from four to five years old. They are considered less efficient than the American types which now are available in quantity. The French fighter planes are also inferior in performance to the British fighter machines on the Western Front. Where French Prevailed TOO GOOD AT AEROBATICS. (Received November 7 10.33 p.m.) PARIS, November 7. A semi-official commentary on the air battle states: It is a sensational and a most significant victory. The German Messerschmitt planes may perhaps be speedier in straight flying than thd French machines, but the French planes have the upperhand in aerobatics, which are a vital factbr in fighters. AIR TRAINING SCHEME COUNTING THE COST. (Received November 7, 9.20 p.m.) OTTAWA, November 6. The Air Missions have delayed their formal discussions until later in the week. Their informal talks have centred round the financial obligations of the participants.

The Australian and New Zealand representatives have drawn up schedules, outlining their willingness and the degree of their capability in cooperating.

Tackle Anything KIEL RAID HERO. A FEARLESS BOY. LONDON, October 14. “Doran, eh? I wouldn’t be a bit surprised at anything Doran did.’’ In these words his former schoolmaster commented on the exploit which won for Acting-Squadron Leader Kenneth Christopher Doran the Distinguished Flying Cross. Doran had been decorated for his part in the Kiel raids. Said Mr. F. M. Walker, who retired from St. Alban’s school two years ago. “Doran was at the school for five years. He played scrum half for the first fifteen. He was a fearless boy. He would tackle anything. I believe he would go down to stop a train if necessary. He just didn’t care. I might have known he’d be in this raid business. “What was his work like? Well, he worked just hard enough and not too hard. Oh, and he was a useful sprinter, too. I see he won the 100 yards when he was fourteen. But he didn’t shine at cricket. I can’t imagine Doran standing in the long field, waiting for a problematical catch once every fifteen overs. , * “He was a day boy, and he used to come to Schoolhouse, where the boarders live to eat his mid-day dinner. I always knew when Doran was there by the noise coming from the end of the table.’’

N.Z. PILOTS. LONDON, October 13. The Air Ministry officially announces that the following actingpilot officers on probation are graded as pilot officers on probation with effect from September 3, and confirmed in their appointments with effect from October 6: E. M. Haise, G. L. B. Harris, and R. J. M. Meek (Wellington); D. J. Johnson (North Auckland); O. H. Keedwell (Levin); S. J. Lester (Nelson); V. A. Pedersen (Te Kuiti); D. H. Robertson (Westport); G. M. Simpson (Dunedin); R. J. Vaugh an (Napier). The following acting-pilot officers on probation are graded as pilot officers on probation (September 3):— A. H. Harding (Taumarunui); H. J. McClymont (Dunedin); R. F. Milne (Lower Hutt); J. S. Mitchell; H. L. North (Kelburn); J. C. Paterson, P. K. Vartan. A. H. Wright. CHARCOAL GAS USE IN GERMANY (Received November 7, 8.10 p.m.) LONDON, November 6. As indicating restriction of the petrol supply, the use of charcoal gas is being promoted in the country. I