AIR WARFARE

Grey River Argus, 26 September 1941, Page 6

AIR WARFARE

R.A.F. Sinks French Ship VICHY, September 24. A British ’plane on April 20, bombed and sank the French cargo ship “Moncelet” in the Gulf of Gabes. The crew were saved. FRANCE'S PROTEST TO BRITAIN. (Rec. 9.5.) VICHY, Sept. 24. It is officially stated that the French Government has protested to Britain against the sinking of the Monselet by bombs on September 20, off the Tunisian coast, shortly afteithe vessel left Sfax. NEW HURRICANES, (Rec. 11.50). LONDON, Sept. 25. Some idea of the terrific powe r «jf 12-gun and four-cannon Hurricanes can ne gathered irom an Air Ministry statement that in a single day a mixed formation of these new fighters sank two German flak ships, and four minesweepers off the Belgian coast. One Hurricane pilot described the effect of his fire as “like putting the enemy through a sawmill.” N.Z. AIRMAN'S AWARD. P.A. WELLINGTON, Sept. 25. Another New Zealand airman has been awarded the distinguished flying medal, according to official advice received bv air headquarters, Wellington to-day. He is Sergeant Jeffery George West, R.N.Z.A.F. His mother is Mrs C. S. West, Wanganui. The citation accompanying the ■ award states: Sergeant West participated in 34 operational sorties over enemy territory, and at all times has displayed courage and determination. He destroyed at least two enemy aircraft. Sergeant West was born at Palmerston North in 1912, and educated at Hamilton High School, where he was prominent in sport, representing the school in Rugbv. cricket and hockey. Later, he represented Waikato at hockey and cricket. RAID IN SCOTLAND. 8.0.W. RUGEY, September 24. Shortly after noon, single enemy aircraft dropped bombs at a place on the east coast of Scotland, states a communique. No one was hurt, and there was no damage. ENEMY NIGHT RAIDERS. (Rec. 11.50). LONDON, Sept. 24 The Air Ministry fn a Home Security communique stated: Soon after dark on Wednesday nignt, a very small number of enemy aircraft crossed the south-east coast of England. One dropped bombs at a point near the coast. There were no casualties and only slight damage.