LESSON TAUGHT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 June 1942, Page 3

LESSON TAUGHT

VITAL IMPORTANCE OF AIR POWER MEDITERRANEAN PROBLEMS. OBJECTIVES & SHIPPING. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, June 18. “Our losses in the convoy battles in the Mediterranean were substantial, and they might well have been lighter, if there had been more air support,” says “The Times” in a leading article. “The whole episode demonstrated what should now be a commonplace truth, namely, the air component of the Fleet is vital to the acquisition and maintenance of command of the sea. The need for full development of the naval air arm has received further recognition in the priority which is now given in America to aircraft-carriers. “Our ultimate object in the Mediterranean must be to clear it for the passage of Allied shipping. For this the Army must win and defend the land bases which are necessary for domination of the narrow seas while the Fleet provides and maintains the Army’s communications and denies the sea to the enemy. “The Army’s aim must be the occupation of Tripoli, because the opening of the Mediterranean would effect such economy of shipping that it would be equivalent to adding a whole new merchant fleet to Allied resources. NAZI CLAIM BRITISH CONVOY LOSSES. LONDON, June 12. The German High Command claims that from both convoys the British lost 14 merchantmen and several warships.