WORK FOR THE R.A.F.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 86, 13 April 1940, Page 9

WORK FOR THE R.A.F.

GERMAN AIR LOSSES BRITISH BOMBING ATTACKS LONDON, April 11. The Air Ministry announced that since early on Sunday all operational commands of the R.A.F. have been intensively engaged in operations against the enemy. German losses since Sunday are at least 21 planes, British losses being six. In addition to the normal security convoy protection patrols of reconnaissance aircraft maintained a close watch over the North Sea, Norwegian Coast and German naval bases, from which much valuable information was made available to the British * naval and air forces engaged with! the enemy. On Sunday a bombing attack was | launched against a strong enemynaval force off Horn’s Reef. From dawn on Monday throughout the day extensive reconnaissance flights were carried out. During Monday evening the R.A.F. beat off the enemy attack against Scapa Flow. R.A.F. fighters shot down five bombers. Throughout Tuesday R.A.F. aircraft engaged in locating and reporting the position of enemy warships in Norwegian waters. On the evening of Tuesday bombers attacked in force a cruiser lying off Bergen and a subsequent reconnaissance indicated that the ship had been sunk. Long-range fighters on Wednesday reconnoitred Norwegian aerodromes occupied by the enemy, and, despite heavy anti-aircraft fire in low-flying attacks, destroyed at least three aeroplanes. Attacks Fail On the evening of Wednesday repeated, but abortive, attacks on Scapa Flow and a convoy were successfully driven off. R.A.F. fighters shot down four bombers and anti-aircraft guns three. This makes the total of enemy planes destroyed over and near Britain 65, in addition to 15 which are most unlikely ever to have returned to their base.