NO N.Z. SPITFIRES LOST
SQUADRON'S RECORD IN 1944. (Spacial Correspondent.) LONDON. Jan. 4. Not a single aircraft lost-to tbo enemy during the past year is the record of, the New Zealand Spitfire Squadron now operating in tho Netherlands.
Squadron-Leader J. (3. Pattison. Waipawa. said: "Our squadron's record of 12 months without loss is all the more remarkable when one. considers the natußc and extent of the year's operations. Since D-Day alone we have destroyed nine enemy aircraft besides successfully attacking hundreds of motor-vehicles, blowing up ammunition dumps, smashing railway junctions and pranging gun posts, 'locomotives, barges and every other conceivable target." Before D-Day there were cross-Chan-nel sweeps and bomber-escort missions, and since the invasion began the squadron has been in the thick of things at Falaise, Caen, Broskens and on up to the present bomb line.
Their principal work now is bombing and strafing, oftflH at "zero i'eet", in close support of the army.
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Bibliographic details
Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 31, 5 January 1945, Page 5
Word Count
154NO N.Z. SPITFIRES LOST Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 31, 5 January 1945, Page 5
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