BRITISH BOMBER’S FEAT

Otaki Mail, 22 December 1939, Page 1

BRITISH BOMBER’S FEAT

BRINGS DOWN FIVE GERMAN FIGHTERS ' ' RUGBY, Dec. 10. It is now believed that more than 12 Hesserschmitt fighters were shot down by the Royal Air Force bombers during Monday’s action over Heligoland Bight, of which at least six were of the new M.E. 10 type. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy, and as was inevitable in such a fierce action the British aircraft also suffered losses, but the German claim that 3G British aircraft were brought down is made the more ridiculous by the fact that the total number of British aircraft engaged did not amount to auything like that figure. One British bomber alone accounted for five German fighters. The German fighters made about 40 separate attacks.

The leader of the British formation said: “I could see them collecting like flies waiting to attack us." Between Heligoland and Wilhelmshaven 25 Messerschmitts were seen.

Even when the battle had begun the British crews continued on' their course over German waters, determined to press on and bring back all the information they could obtain. They ulso met heavy anti-aircraft fire from ships and from the shore. Some of the enemy fighters hung on as our bombers were returning.

One of our aircraft while heading for homo became isolated from the others. It seemed to be an easy prey and Messerschmitts attacked it in force. The pilot in an effort to avoid them dived to sea level and skimmed the sea surface with the enemy on his tail, and two Messerschmitts venturing too close were immediately shot down by the rear gunner.

Another Messerschmitt joined the attack, its fire wounding the rear gunner and damaging the centre gun and wireless set. The second pilot took the rear gunner’s place but found the ammunition was spent. A moment later the front gunner was wounded. The reserve pilot thereupon scramblod from the rear turret to the front gun. There he found plenty of ammunition and made full use of it. The British aircraft finally shook off its pursuers and reached home. From the moment it had dived to escape until it actually got away its gunners had accounted for five enemy fighters. Another of our aircraft when within 80 miles of the English coast on its way home was forced down in the sea. Its plight was observed by the pilot of a following aircraft which flew over it with the intention of dropping a rubber boat in case the crew of the other bomber had not been able to make theirs ready. The crew, however, had been able to launch their own boat and after some considerable time the airmen were picked up by a passing trawler.

Another aircraft whoso rudder was damaged in action made a safe forced landing a few miles from home.