N.Z. PLANES' ATTACK

Grey River Argus, 5 April 1943, Page 2

N.Z. PLANES' ATTACK

ON JAP. VESSEL. WELLINGTON, April 4. Details of an attack by a New Zealand reconnaissance bomber against a Japanese vessel is described bv the Air Department which says: “An aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, operating from an advanced Pacific base, recently sighted a small enemy vessel while on patrol near one of the Japanese-oc-cupied islands. The captain of theaircraft decided to attack, and went in towards the vessel, which appeal' ed to be carrying troops and equipment. Bombs burst close to the vessel, which appeared to suffer some damage. The_ exact degree of the damage could not be seen, but when our aircraft left the vessel was. listing A similar attack was carried out against a Japanese tanker by another aircraft, which secured several near misses. The intervention of a Japanese fighter prevented the New Zealand crew from observing the exact damage inflicted. These actions indicate clearly the aggressive spirit of New Zealand reconnaissance squadrons operating in the combat areas. Although their task is primarily that of securing informatiqh, occassionallv they have opportunity for carrying out an attack.’’