AIRFIELDS HAMMERED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 7 February 1944, Page 5

AIRFIELDS HAMMERED

SIX PLACES IN CENTRAL FRANCE (Rec. 12.10 p.m.) Rugby, Feb. 6. Heavy damage was done at six German airfields in central France and at least 37 enemy aircraft were destroyed or damaged on the ground by United States heavy bombers, photographs showed to-day. The planes destroyed do not include those which may have been parked in more than a scqre of hangars which received direct hits. Four more aircraft were destroyed in the air by the bombers and six more by escorting fighters. At Villa Couplay, on the outskirts of Paris, one of the principal German repair and overhaul depots, severe damage was done to a shop and repair works, while at Avord the two principal hangars received direct hits, and four others were hit as well as the workshops and barracks area. A large hangar was set on fire at Bricy, near Orleans, and at least six hangars received direct hits at Chateruroux, while others were hit at ParcsyMeslay. Encountering little opposition a strong formation of U.S.A.A.F. Maraudens fanned out over northern France to-day and struck heavy blows against numerous important installations. It was the fourth mission of Marauders in the first six days of the month. All returned safely. Bombing results were not observed.