WAR IN THE AIR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23829, 3 December 1940, Page 7

WAR IN THE AIR

DEFENCE OF LONDON RAIDERS REPULSED OPERATIONS REVIEWED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received December 2, 8.50 p.m.) LONDON, Dec.-2 After raging for 12 weeks, the greatest air battle in history—the autumn battle for London—has ended. The result is a technical victory for the Royal Air Force and a military defeat for Germany. Iho battle began on September 7, although there were heavy raids against England before that dale. The losses of enemy aeroplanes over--England were greater in. August than in any succeeding month, namely 1101, compared with 1093 in September, 204 in October and 222 in November. But the strategy and purpose of the August attacks were different. - British Fighter Strength The August raids were designed to break the British fighter strength, while the Germans were bombarding/ the south-east and south coasts and''southeastern England in preparation for an invasion and for greater aerial attacks. The concentrated bombing of London was more a battle to paralyse half of England physically and to smash it morally; it was an attempt to immobilise road and rail ■ transport and to wipe out food stores for millions, not only in London, but throughout the country. Although there were times during the first few weeks when the question was asked whether London could continue to take the punishment it wa3 receiving, the onslaught failed. Of the 29,000 Londoners killed and admitted to hospital during the •12 weeks, 23,700 were killed or injured during the first seven weeks. The average for the next four weeks was below 1300 and for the 12th week below 500. Reduction in Deaths Deaths dropped from an average of 421 on the first two nights to none on November 26, and to a daily average of only 23 for the 12th week. Indeed, in spite of the awful toll for those first few days, the weekly average for the whole period is now 1000 killed and 1400 sent to hospital. The technical superiority of the Royal Air Force in equipment and men is largely responsible for the steady reduction in casualties, although the increased use of civil defence measures is also an important factor. Anti-aircraft guns, fighters and the balloon barrage have brought down an average of 107 raiders a week. Air Losses Compared For six weeks the Germans improved their methods of dealing with interception and reduced the proportion of British to German machines brought down from one to five in the second week to an average of one to 3.7 for the period of the onslaught,. That is, the raids for 12 weeks cost Germany and Italy 1288 aeroplanes (Italy's contribution being 20), while Britain lost only 345. It is authoritatively estimated that the raiders carried an average crew of three, making a loss of 3864 airmen. Britain saved all but 163 of her airmen. Apart from the diminution of casualties the effects of the raids on the civilian population have also been satisfactory. Official statements have revealed that key industries have refused to allow production to fall off. Long Night Raids Of the total of 331 raids since September 7, 109 have been carried out by night and have averaged 7hrs. 32min. in duration, compared with the day rai'3> average of 46min. Essential night work, however, has been carried on. The newspapers have come out regularly and postal and railway operations have not been interrupted. Three-shift factories have stuck to their jibs. Goering has disorganised, but not disrupted London life. He has killed and maimed many thousands of Londoners, but damage has been repaired and services restored. ARRESTS IN INDIA DISOBEDIENCE CAMPAIGN MANY CONGRESS MEMBERS BOMBAY. Dec. 1 After a fortnight of extended individual civil disobedience under Gandhi's guidance, about 100 Congress members have been arrested under the defence regulations, including four former Premiers, 11 former Ministers, five Speakers or Presidents of provincial legislatures, and seven members of the Congress Working Committee. PLANS OF GESTAPO

OCCUPIED COUNTRIES MORE REPRESSIVE MEASURES LONDON, Dec. 2 The chief of the Gestapo, Himmler, is reported to have called a conference of army chiefs to apply drastic repressive measures, with the aid of the armies of occupation, in Holland, Norway and occupied France. The Germans have threatened to close down universities in Holland owing to disturbances. Tn Norway harbours are to be better lighted at night because of the number 0 f people who have fallen into the water. In Holland lately a number of Germans "nave fallen into the canals, aided, suggests the British Broadcasting Corporation, by a gentle push. BARE KNEES FASHION NEW STOCKINGS FOR WOMEN (Received December 2, 8.50 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 2 The Daily Mail says that women will show bare knees if they wear the new knee-length woollen stockings which Yorkshire experts are devising. The stockings have a roll top and also in some cases ornamental tassel garters.