BIGGEST AIR BATTLE IN HISTORY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20784, 20 July 1937, Page 7

BIGGEST AIR BATTLE IN HISTORY

AERIAL WAR IN SPAIN

TERRIFIC STRUGGLE ROUND MADRID

LEADER’S VIEWS ON FIRST YEAR OF WAR

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received July 19, 7.40 p.m.) MADRID, July 18.

A terrific battle raging in the northwest of Madrid is believed to be the last effort of the re’aels to regain lost ground. It is unde.-stood that thousands were killed on both sides.

Meanwhile the biggest air battle in modem warfare is eing fought overhead, the rebels flying 100 war planes opposing 60 loyalist fighters. The rebels lost 18 planes and the loyalists foui - .

The loyalist Infantrymen, withstanding the worst »rtllery and air bombardment tn the war, mowed down the advancing Moroccans and foreign troops. Massed Attacl- Launched

On the anniversary of the outbreak of the war the r els launched 100 tanks and 20,j00 men in an attack on Brunete, westward of Madrid. The casualties are estimated at 5,000.

Big Bag in the Air

Loyalist airmen claim that they brought down seven Fiats, one Heinkel and two Junkers “eroplanes in one action.

YEAR OF WAR IN SPAIN

CLAIMS OF RIVAL LEADERS United *• A~nriMtn,, Pv Eleetri. Telegraph -Cnpvriebt LONDON, July 18. Both sides in Spain, recalling that the civil war started a year ago to-day, sum up the results and discuss the future. General Franco's Views "We have been fighting a cruel war. It has been hell, but victory has been ours all along," claims General Franco, in a specially written article in “The Sunday Chronicle.” “The war is nothing less than a world’s battle between Communism and anti-Communism. Not an inch of Spanish land has been given or promised anyone—not a single foreigner joined my forces except as a true volunteer. Moreover, not a single piece of armament has been received as a gift or contribution. Naturally, when Spain is again free and independent, we shall look more favourably upon the nations which openly supported us, rather than upon those who openly opposed, or had chosen an Indifferent attitude, waiting for the outcome of the war, but we shall not keep any grudge, because of lack of faith in our movement.” The British United Press Salamanca correspondent says that thousands marched to General Franco's headquarters and heard General Franco make his speech from the balcony. He declared: “The Reds are defeated; we are victorious by land, air and sea.”

Loyalists Confident

On the other side General Miaja issued a statement declaring that if the year of war demonstrates that the people were not defeated when they lacked organisation and material, they will be assured of triumph when they possess adequate resources. Senor Prieto, in a broadcast, made an appeal to the army and people to bring peace nearer by speeding up victory in the field. “NOT ANOTHER ABYSSINIA” LOYALIST ANNIVERSARY CHALLENGE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright Received July 20, 12.15 a.m.) MADRID, July 19. General Miaja, in an anniversary message to the Republican troops, declared: “Spain shall not be another Abyssinia. The moment will come to show the world that the Legions of Signor Mussolini and Herr Hitler have been thrown out of the country.” BRITISH WARSHIPS MOVING ANOTHER SHIP HELD UP United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright ST. JEAN DE LUZ, July 18. The sudden departure of the Royal Oak and the Basilisk last night, the former without five officers, who were ashore, is revealed to be due to the seizure of another British ship off Santander, the Candlestone Castle, 2494 tons, believed to have been taken to Bilbao. Candlestone Castle was formerly believed to be under rebel escort to Ferrol, but the owner states that she is going to Santander to remove refugees when she was intercepted within the three mile limit.

Captain Herbert telegraphed that he and the crew were safe.