German Confidence In Invasion Defences

Northern Advocate, 22 January 1944, Page 4

German Confidence In Invasion Defences

LONDON, January 21. The journal “Aeroplane” estimates that the Luftwaffe may be able to concentrate 2500 planes of various types in the west to meet an Allied invasion of Europe. This figure may be x’eached provided the Allies’ diversionary tactics do not force the German High Command to disperse its flying forces. The “Aeroplane” says the present enemy fighter force lined up against Anglo-American air fleets in Britain consists of about 1200 planes from a force of between 1700 and 1800 day and night-fighters, including about 150 two-motored rocket-carrying types. It is estimated that 400 fighters are on the Russian front and the remainder spread through the Balkans, Italy and Southern Germany. The German overseas news agency's aviation correspondent says that Germany is fully aware the Allies will have air superiority during invasion operations. Invasion Preparations German experts, however, doubt whether the Allies will have sufficient planes to make a landing a success from the start. This aspect will not be changed by the mass use of bombers, because giant bombers are of little use for tactical operations. German quarters have full confidence in the air defences prepared for an invasion. The defences represent an unknown and perhaps surprisingfactor. The agency announced that all civilians have been evacuated from Heligoland as part of the plan for the defence against invasion. Rommel has made the island a defence bastion of surpassing strength.