NAZI’S INDUSTRIAL POWER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 3 July 1943, Page 5

NAZI’S INDUSTRIAL POWER

VARYING ESTIMATES MADE London, July 1. Assessments of the extent to which Germany is being disarmed by bombing vary considerably, but there is sound evidence for the view that the time is appreciably closer when the Axis will be inadequately supplied with arms. Most commentators tend to exaggerate in estimating the paralysis that is being spread over the Axis sinews of war. The magazine "Aeroplane” estimates that the bombing of the Ruhr and Rhineland has destroyed two-fifths of Germany’s power to make what she needs, but this figure must bet treated with reserve. This is because there are widely varying estimates of what proportion the Ruhr and Rhineland contribute to the total production of Germany, Austria and occupied Europe. Evidence is available that Germany has succeeded in vastly increasing production in planes. This increase includes material in which the Ruhr specialises. The "Daily Herald’s” aviation correspondent claims that the battle of the Ruhr has been won, although more raids may be necessary to complete the devastation and ensure that repairs will not take place. The correspondent considers the Ruhr’s output has been reduced by 35 per cent, and the whole of Germany’s war production by 20 per cent.

WILHELMSHAVEN ELIMINATED AS BASE R.A.F. night attacks, combined with Flying Fortress daylight raids have virtually eliminated WHhelmshaven as a naval base, according to a German report reaching Stockholm. The port is unuseable because installations are battered to pieces. The arsenal has been blown up. The raids have also resulted in Üboats berthed at Wilhelmshaven moving to the mouth of the Weser river, where they are widely scattered as protection against air raids. —P.A. SUCCESSFUL MONTH Rugby, July 1. In June United States Army Eighth Air Force bombers joined the R.A.F. in systematic demoralisation of Germany’s industrial stronghold in the Ruhr, and Thunderbolts had a most active and successful month in the European theatre. Earth-bound till near the middle of the month Flying Fortresses made a strong finish. They hit four targets never before attacked by American bombs. They dropped the largest weight of bombs ever dropped on a target by United States planes. Eighty-two bombers failed to return during the month, an increase of ten over May, but the percentage of losses did not increase because more bombers went out. Over 270 enemy planes were shot down, 84 probably destroyed and 178 damaged.—B.O.W.