AIR SUPERIORITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24540, 24 March 1943, Page 3

AIR SUPERIORITY

FORCES OF ALLIES SMASHING ATTACKS MADE SAVAGE AND SUSTAINED (Reed. 6.30 p.m.) LONDON. March 22 One part of the battle for the Mareth Line already is clearly won —the Al!lie3 have gained air superiority over the fighting area, says the militai'y writer of the Daily Express. The total of Allied aircraft being used is the largest ever assembled on our side over a battlefield. Ten nationalities are among the Allied airmen taking part. The smashing nature of the Allied nir blitz in Tunisia is emphasised by all correspondents. The Associated Press says the Allied aerial onslaught in Southern Tunisia is so savage and sustained that the Luftwaffe is literally at present paralysed. Reuter's correspondent says the story begins on Saturday night, when heavy and medium bombers dropped hundreds of bombs on Rommel's concentrations along the main road between Mareth and Katina. Pilots counted 14 fires among dispersed lorries and tents. After violent explosions three huge fires broke out. Axis troops have been given a pummelling in the past two days almost up to the El Alamein standard. They are being given no relief. Light and medium bombers, strongly escorted by fighters, on Sunday started a hammering which lasted all day long on enemy positions, with excellent results. Constant machine-gun and bombing sorties were maintained against enemy positions and transport south-west of Gabes. Pilots reported 11 fires. The Associated Press says that Allied airmen are striking against the Mareth region in a mounting olfonsive, using scores of heavy, medium and light bombers, fighter-bombers and fighters. The British United Press says that even giant Halifaxes and Liberators joined in the shuttle bombing service over Pommel's position. As one wave returned to its base another set out. Other Allied bombers came from the western side of the enemy's lino in accordance with the joint plan of attack. In the first 19 days of March in the Tunisian battle area, 128 enemy aircraft wore destroyed for the loss of 41 Allied planes, says one correspondent.