64 PLANES LOST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 13 January 1944, Page 2

64 PLANES LOST

GREAT U.S. DAYLIGHT BLITZ OVER 100 INTERCEPTORS DESTROYED GERMAN AIRCRAFT PLANTS BOMBED (Rec. 12.30 p.m.) London, Jan. 12. A U.S.A.A.F. communique reveals that 59 bombers and five fighters were lost of a force totalling over 700 Fortresses and Liberators with fighter escort which raided tiermany yesterday. Incomplete reports show that over 100 enemy interceptors were destroyed. The communique stales that formations totalling over 700 Fortresses and Liberators, escorted by Thunderbolts and Lightnings, and longrange fighters attacked important fighter assembly plants in Germany with excellent results. At Eschersleben direct strikes were observed on machine shops and other factory installations manufacturing FW 190’s. At Halberstadt, a Ju 88 and Ju 188 component plant was heavily hit. At Brunswick two of three main assembly buildings producing Me 110’s were destroyed and a third badly damaged. Other targets were also hit with good results. Opposition was strong and there were manv aerial combats.