R.A.F. OFFENSIVE

Grey River Argus, 27 September 1941, Page 5

R.A.F. OFFENSIVE

-o. RESTRICTED OPERATIONS. 8.0.W. RUGBY, September 25 An AJj Ministry communique states: “The weather yesterday was very unfavourable for air operations, but aircraft on patrol continued the attack on erfemy shipping. Off the coqst of Nor\vay, a Hudson of the Coastal Command bombed a large enemy supply shin from a low level, and off Dunkirk Hurricanes of the Fighter Command attacked enemy minesweepers, with cannon and machine-gun fire.” „ Details of the Hurricane Mark 11. which have been revealed show a great improvement on the Hurricane Mark 1. used last summer. The fitting of a new Merlip engin e with twospeed superchargers, has resulted in a much higher ceiling, a better rate of climb at altitude and a greater top speed. Still more important is the improved armament. Whereas the Mark 1. has eight .303 machine-guns,, the Mark 11. has 12 such guns or alternatively four 25 millimetre cannon. Thus, the fire power greatly exceeds that of the Mark I. and is vastly superior to that of the latest German single-seater—the new Messerschmitt 109 F. One large calibre gun only is fitted to the Messerschmitt 109 F. namely, a 15-millimetre Alauser. Although this gun has a high muzzle velocity, the shell is much smaller than the British 20-millimetre, which rias much more punch. The use of 12 machine-guns or four 20-mill.imetre cannon in the Hurricane makes reasonably certain the destruction of any bomber intercepted. LULL IN R.A.F. RAIDS. WEATHER ADVERSE. (Rec. 7.40). LONDON, September 25. The “Daily Mail’s” aviation correspondent says: “There has been a lull in R.A.F. bombing against Germany for the past week. It has been solely due to weather conditions on the Continent. R A.F. heavy bombers will again pound Germany when conditions permit.” ANOTHER N.Z. D.F.C. AWARD. LONDON, September 25. Acting-Flight Lieutenant Thomas Patrick Gibson has been awarded the DF.C. He was born in Christchurch in 1913. His father lives at Invercargill. The citation states: Gibson has completed over 1000 hours’ operational flying, as pilot of a Sunder! anti. He is a wholely reliable, pilot, whose steadiness and ability inspired the confidence of his crew. He has always shown great eagerness to undertake any operational work allotted to him in the North Atlantic and elsewhere, and has frequently carried out patrols under weather conditions which would have deterred many. After August, 1940, Gibson acted as captain and several times as flight commander, and has always set a splendid example.