WIDE ATTACKS FROM AIR

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23166, 2 April 1945, Page 4

WIDE ATTACKS FROM AIR

Norway To Austria (Rec. 6.20 pm.) LONDON, Mar. 31. While R.A.F. Lancasters and Halifaxes escorted by Mustangs visited Germany in strength this morning, attacking the Blohm and Voss submarine-building yards at Hamburg, more than 1300 United States Fortresses and Liberators attacked the synthetic oil plant at Zeitz, the railway yards at Halle and rail and industrial targets at Brunswick and Brandenburg. About 850 Mustangs and Thunderbolts escorted the American bombers. The Air Ministry said last night that Mosquitoes attacked Berlin and Erfort. Three merchantmen were left burning fiercely and a fourth was smoking when Mustangs yesterday made a rocket and cannon attack on four enemy merchant vessels at a harbour in South Norway. Intruder patrols were maintained over Holland and Northern Germany. From these and other operations yesterday one bomber and one Coastal Command aircraft are missing. The enemy put up jet-propelled aircraft against our forces attacking Hamburg. Many combats took place over the city while the master bomber calmly directed his crews on to their tagets. Eleven bombers are missing. Bombers From Italy

Italy-based Fortresses and Liberators were out in strength on Saturday blasting enemy targets at Linz and Treviso, says a Rome correspondent. German fighters failed to appear but flak was heavy. Lightnings and Mustangs swept the Vienna area as well as escorting the heavy bombers. The battle against Brenner was continued by Thunderbolts and Mitchells, an important bridge being knocked out. Rail And Industrial Targets (9.30 p.m.) LONDON. April 1. More than 1300 Flying Fortresses and Liberators escorted by 850 Mustangs and Thunderbolts yesterday attacked rail and industrial targets at Halle, Brandenburg and Brunswick, also the synthetic oil plant at Zeitz, says a U.S.A.A.F. communique. The escorting fighters shot down six enemy planes. Six bombers and three fighters are missing. Spitfires yesterday without loss attacked a road and rail network in the rocket zone in the Netherlands. Rocket transport vehicles, lorries and staff cars were strafed. Coastal Command Halifaxes in the early hours of yesterday carried out eight attacks against shipping off the Norwegian coast, says the Air Ministry A medium-sized merchantman receiver a direct hit and near misses wert scored on several other ships. Rome Italy-based Flying Fortresse: and Liberators in strength biastec targets at Linz and Treviso. Lightning: and Mustangs swept the Vienna ares and destroyed 15 locomotives. Thunderbolts and Lightnings cut the southerr approach to the Brenner Pass bj knocking out an important bridge. The Allied Air Forces yesterday flev more than 5790 sorties, destrving !■ German planes in the air and 34 or the ground, says Reuter’s corresnon dent at Supreme Allied Headquarters.