MOSQUITO AIRCRAFT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 20, 21 December 1944, Page 6

MOSQUITO AIRCRAFT

BOMBERS OF BERLIN. (Special Corresnondent.) (Rec 11.20 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 20. The speed of the Mosquito Mark 16, which New Zealanders are flyingsaid to be over' 400 miles an hour—allows them to take advantage of a short period of fine weather during the winter months, because they can bomb a target and return to base in good weather, whereas the slower "heavies" often cannot be safely employed in the same short periods. The Mosquitoes have proved very valuable in what is known as "upsetting the life in Berlin" by their frequent raids, which can be completed in practically half the time that heavy bombers require. Their speed and the great height at which they operate have resulted in their losses being extremely low, despite the fact that the Germans are now using special antiMosquito guns, which fire predicted flak to twice the height at which heavy bombers usually fly. Night-fight-ers have also not worried them unduly and jet-fighters so far have not proved the slightest menace because, although they have greater speed than the Mosquitoes, they are less manoeuvrable and can easily be seen. These Mosquitoes are far more economical than heavy aircraft since they are cheaper to build and if one should be lost only two engines and two ol a crew are "written off" compared with four engines and seven of a crew in heavy bombers. With a range ol over LSOO miles, important distance targets like Berlin are comfortably within their reach but they can only be regarded as medium range bombers. For that reason they are not suitable for strategic bombing and would have this limitation if used in the Far Eastern theatre. But for everything else they are described as "excellent. Mosquitoes, therefore, are a very useful addition to the bombing fleet but despite their impressive bomb-load they are unlikely ultimately to replace heavy aircraft. New Zealanders describe them as "beautiful aircraft." "Flying with a light night force is a wonderful job because we are usually above worry ] ev el_flak fighters—and also above the clouds. It is marvellous to fly under the great big shining stars, really beautiful," said a Christchurch pilot. "We bomb on the markers laid for us and sometimes stooge around over half Germany, setting all the sirens going and sending everyone into shelters. Yes it is a very satisfying job." ■