CHAOTIC DISORGANISATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 16 August 1944, Page 2

CHAOTIC DISORGANISATION

A Normandy correspondent said the chaotic disorganisation of German military traffic has become even graver in the past week, during which the rail situation north and cast of Paris has further deteriorated, mainly as the result of - terrible smashing blows from fighter-bombers.

An illustration of the complete confusion caused by our attacks comes from the story of an infantry formation which recently attempted to leave Pas de Calais by rail. After several attempts their efforts to leave by rail were abandoned. Our reconnaissance planes noted that trains which had stood loaded with troops at entraining stations for as much a* 48 hours were finally unloaded without having moved at all. The Germans have strictly prohibited all important rail movements at times when the weather favours air operations. SHIPS STRUCK FROM AIR The Air Ministry states; ‘‘Coastal Command Mosquitoes and Beaufighters attacked enemy warships at Gironde yesterday evening. Mosquitoes attacked a destroyer, escort vessel and trawlers off Le Verdon with bombs, depth charges and cannon, while Bcanfighters struck at a depot ship and other trawlers off St. Vivien. An explosion was seen on the destroyer and a fire was started on the escort vessel, while manv rocket projectiles were seen to strike the depot ship. Four of our aircraft are mi-s----ing. “At mid-day to-day over 1100 R.A.F. bombers with fighter cover attacked five night airfields in Holland and four in Belgium. All nine attacks were verv effective. Two of our bombers are missing.”