U.S. Heavy Bombers Again Busy

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 151, 28 June 1943, Page 5

U.S. Heavy Bombers Again Busy

WIDESPREAD RAIDS ON TARGETS IN PRANCE Received Sunday, 9.25 p.m. LONDON, July 27.

A number of formations of American heavy bombers and R.A.F. light bombers in daylight on Saturday attacked enemy airfields and industrial targets in Trance. Some of the heavy bombers encountered adverse weather and those which were unable clearly to identify their targets did not drop their bombs. The majority of the heavy bombers were not and had many combats, destroying a* considerable number of enemy planes. Thunderbolts supporting other bombers also had numerous combats, shooting down three enemy planes. Many squadrons of R.A.F., Dominion and Allied fighters participated in these operations. Five of our bombers and seven of our fighters are missing. One fighter pilot is safe. Major-General Davenport Johnson, commander of the Second United States Air Force, stated at Washington: “The Germans have thrown everything they have against American heavy bombers but are unable to inflict critical losses. The American losses in the European theatre have been approximately 6 per cent, which is not too heavy.” Mr. Johnson added: “If we can stay under 10 per cent, we can take it.” The U.S. War Department says that reports from the battlefront of the performance of the P 47 Thunderbolt indicate that it can outmatch the Fockewulf 190 which is the best German plane in that class. The first detailed report on the Thunderbolt is based on two consecutive days’ action in France when P47’s shot down four and damaged two Fockewulfs. Enemy airfields in Northern France were again the targets for light bombers and fighter bombers early on Saturday evening. Typhoon bombers attacking Bernay airfield about 40 miles south of Le Havre went through a gap in the clouds and bursts were seen on buildings, hangars and dispersal pens. One bomb fell on a large aircraft on the ground and others near twin-enginea aircraft. The escorting Typhoon fignters described the bombing results as good. All got back safely. Other Typhoon fighter-bombers, also escorted by fighters, swept over the marshalling yards at Eu, near Le Treport. Hits were scored on sidings ana the station. Visibility was exceptionally good, but no enemy fighters were seen and all the aircraft returnea safely. Bostons with a Spitfire escort attacked the airfield at Abbeville.