IN THE AIR

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1940, Page 5

IN THE AIR

R.A.F. EXPLOITS WONDERFUL WORK DONE, (Per British Official. Wireless.) RUGBY, May 20.' The Air Ministry announced this evening: “Bomber aircraft of the i R.A.F. maintained pressure on enemy lines of communication last night. Oil ; refineries in north-west Germany were also successfully attacked. South of. Brussels, operations were carried out. against railway - stations and bridges. The railway bridge at Roux sustained a direct hit. Damage was done to rolling stock and the permanent way. Tank concentrations were attacked in the Aisne sector. Near Sedan, a lorry park was set on fire. In all these operations involving a large number of R.A.F. bombers, only two have failed to return, in spite of intense anti-aircraft fire. The Aerodrome at Vaernes, north of Trondheim, was also successfully attacked, last night. A large number of, enemy aircraft, standing out on the aerodrome were repeatedly bombed and machine-gunned by relays of Hudson aircraft. Much damage is believed to have been done. Seven files were started. From our fighter aircraft, day ly day, comes stories of matchless courage. All day long, they are called upon io engage superior forces of the enemy. REPORTS OF AIRMEN. RUGBY, May 20. Broadcasting, the Under-Secretary for Air referred to talks he had had with crews of R.A.F. aircraft just returned from flights and fights over France and Flanders. “They told me how the invaded territory of Belgium and Northern France presented a spectacle of ruin and fire, and a pall of dark smoke over the countryside that rose right up to 8000 feet. Towns could be seen in flames. Many roads carried long streams of refugees, and it is upon these that some of the German air effort has been concentrating. One pilot said how lie and two of his companions spotted from their fighters a Junkers 87 flying low along the road Sroin Lille, engaged in machine-gun-ning those civilians;. The Junkers was protected in its dastardly task by two Messerschmitt fighters, which hovered above. Down came our aircraft, and one Messerschmitt was .sent 'hurtling to earth in flames. The other made a hasty escape. When the pilot Junkers saw a British aeroplane approaching, his main idea was to get down to earth 111 the quickest way, and he deliberately crashed his machine in a field beside tlie road.” BOMBING OPERATIONS. ON ALL FRONTS. (Received this day at 9.0 a.m.i LONDON, May 21. The' Air Ministry reports the R.A.F. yesterday hoavilcy bombed enemy communications and troop concentrations in areas immediately behind the fighting fronts in Belgium and France. * R.A.F. attacks were continued during the night. We bombed find set fire to Rotterdam oil tanks. FRENCH REPORT. (Received this day at 9.0 n.m.) PARIS, May 21. The War Office spokesman states French forces evacuated Laon, which the Germans occupied without fighting. Gorman attempts to cross the Aisne and attacks against Montmedy were repulsed. German planes yesterday attacked the Channel ports, but the spokesman did not disclose the names or possible damage.