GERMAN LOSSES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23486, 25 October 1939, Page 9

GERMAN LOSSES

RAIDS BY AIRCRAFT BRITISH PILOTS' WORK AUXILIARY FORCE ACTIVE October 24, 5.5 p.m.) British Wireless LONDON, Oct. 2a Interesting facts regarding German air losses in raids on British shipping, compared with damage done by raiders, were authoritatively given in London to-day. In the raids on the Firth of Forth, Scapa Flow and on a convoy, 16 German long-range bombers were definitely accounted for, at a total cost of 30 casualties in the destroyer Mohawk, slight damage to the cruiser Southampton and the "demilitarised" battleship Iron Duke. All ships subjected to the attack were ready for sea the same day, and the only damage to the Southampton was a hole in the bridge, caused by a bomb which wont through the outer part and burst in the water. The result of the raids so far is very satisfactory for Britain. Peace-time Instruction In the three raids on British shipping reported earlier, many of the enemy aeroplanes fell victims to auxiliary squadrons of the Royal Air Force. These squadrons consist of men who in peace devoted their spare time to training in military flying. Squadrons of the Auxiliary Air Force were organised on lines similar to J he Territorial Army, the aims of each one being identified with some particular locality, and including all branches of the Air Force's activities. Some assist convoy escort vessels, and one such squadron recently twice saved ships from damage. The particular convoy was in a sea area in which the only danger entertained was from submarines. The sea was rough, but in spite of this, the squadron on two occasions detected floating mines in the path of the convoy. Ship Avoids Mines The first time, smoke Hares dropped near the mines gave the ship an opportunity of avoiding them by a quick change of course. On the second occasion, an escorting destroyer was able to dash in ahead of the convoy and sink the mine by machine-gun fire. Spotting mines in rough seas is difficult enough when the mines are expected, but to see floating mines in supposedly clear areas speaks very well for the peace training in reconnaissance of the men who seven weeks ago mainly occupied their civilised callings.

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE POWERS OF COMMANDEER (Received October 21, 5.5 p.m.) CANBERRA, Oct. 24 Wide powers to commandeer from private sources anything which might do required for defence purposes are conferred upon the Defence Department in a Federal Proclamation. The regulations provide that any goods not delivered in accordance with an order by a purchasing officer may be summarily sei/.ed by the defence authorities. The New South Wales commissioner of taxation, Mr. McMahon, has ruled that members of the military forces are liable to pay unemployment relief tax on their pay.