European Air War Develops Into Race

Northern Advocate, 26 February 1944, Page 3

European Air War Develops Into Race

LONDON, Feb. 25

The European air war has resolved Itself into a struggle, almost a race, between construction and destruction, in which the .lead appears to change hands weekly, says “The Times” aeronautical correspondent. The German defenders one day appear to score a success and next day, unaccountably, fail. It is small wonder that people in Britain are sometimes at a loss to know how to interpret the outcome of the bitter, ever-spreading battle. The Luftwaffe, by cutting down bomber output, almost certainly has more fighters than at Ihe outoreak. German military conquests have increased both factory capacity and the total number of available aircraft workers. German fighter production today is probably 1250 monthly. However, production before the Allied bomber offensive intensified was as high as 1500 monthly. Time 'is working against the enemy bomber command's. strength increasing. More American heavy machines are reaching Britain. Her Italian bases are nearing completion. Also the distance is being reduced between the British. American and Soviet air forces, making more likely the opening up of shuttle bombing from yet another direction.

Nazi Strategic Reserve

Much of Germany’s increased fighter output was intended for a strategic reserve against an Allied landing, but Goering has been forced to expend it to meet the bomber offensive.

The American Eighth Air Force alone has destroyed 5352 German planes, of which 1156 were shot down this year. A substantial number was destroyed on the ground, plus an even greater number accounted for by the R.A.F.. Dominion and Allied escort squadrons. Even more important is the growing list of German aircraft factories demolished or damaged by Britainbased planes. In addition the R.A.F.’s night offensive has caused great dislocation 1o Germany’s electrical industry, of which one-third is centred in Berlin.

. Enemy fighter squadrons cannot look forward to any relief and such a constant strain is bound to make itself felt in the long run. However, it is still too early to suggest that the Luftwaffe is anything spent force, particularly as a defensive weapon. It will undoubtedly be able to put up a stiff resistance for a long time, even though its resources may be severely tested by the Brifish-American bomber offensive,