First Field Day For “Tommies” And R.A.F.

Northern Advocate, 11 May 1940, Page 2

First Field Day For “Tommies” And R.A.F.

(Received 3 p.m.)

LONDON, May 10. THE GREAT BRITISH ARMY WAS STILL MOVING INTO BELGIUM TONIGHT, AND ALTHOUGH THE EXACT LIMIT OF THE ADVANCE CANNOT BE STATED, IT IS PROCEEDING ACCORDING TO PLANS FOR CO-OPERATION WITH THE FRENCH ARMIES. Eight aii* raids Were sounded during the day, but; the Germans mainly attempted to attack airfields, because the Royal Air Force lighters were providing a sure safeguard for advancing troops. As they roared along Belgium's cobbled highways nob a single man was afoot. The troops reflected relief from long inaction. BERLIN OR BUST ■‘Tommies” cried, “Berlin or bust” to cheering civilians.

British Expeditionary Force Headquarters report that R.A.F. bombers and fighters, co-operating with the British Expeditionary Force, today attacked German troops on the march. The enemy lost many planes during these operations, apart from machines shot down in other engagements. It was the R.A.F.’s first day of real action. Activity ranged from Holland to France, at least 30 Germans being shot down by Allied planes over France alone. It is estimated that German raids throughout France during the day caused 40 deaths. Quick and severe punishment met German squadrons attempting to bomb aerodromes and other objectves in'the zone of the R.A.F. advanced air-strik-ing force. The main German attack came soon after dawn. It was effectively frustrated by smooth and rapid, co-operation between the British and French Air Forces and ground defences. German raiding flights crossed the frontier at great height, coming down lew before the actual attack. Small Harvest for Germans Everything considered, the results were negligible, there being no serious damage or casualties at any of the British aerodromes. Most of the bombs were of small size. The enemy everywhere was met with intense anti-aircraft fire, while British and French machines engaged the raiders. A series of combats occurred over a wide area between 5 a.m. .and G a.m. German planes were generally more numerous, but the enterprise and daring* of the Allied pilots counterbalanced the odds. Five Dovniers were shot down earlier in the morning, and four badly damaged. Paris officials estimate that 1000 German planes wore over Belgium, Holland, France and Luxembimg. during the day.