ACTIVITY OF R.A.F.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 63, 16 March 1942, Page 3

ACTIVITY OF R.A.F.

BIG OFFENSIVE SWEEP SEVERE BCMBI’sG ATTACKS Rugby. March 13. Big forces of R.A.i-. planes have been operating on the French side of the Chann* 1 frequently during the day. According to news agency reports from the coast enemj anti-air-«raft batteries have been in action, while the sound of cannon and gunlire has been heard on th< south-east coast. An Air Ministry communique says: “Our bombers attacked Kiel and other objectives in north-west Germany last night. Bombs were seen tu burst in the shipyards and many fires were left burning.’ Mines were laid in enemywaters. Eight of our aircraft are missing.” British fighters vei Northern France in considerable strength this afternoon. A small force of bombers was escorted to Hazebromk. where the railway yards were bombed. None of the bombers is missing. Our fighters encounter.-1 a number of enemy fighters and destroyed eight. Five ol our lighters are missing. The Air Ministry news services gives a further account of the action. It savs that the Fighter Command, for the third time this v/eek. carried out a large-scale offensive sweep into occupied territory. A small force of bombers was escorted to atta< a vital m irshallin yard. There were many dog-tights between our S-■•ur irons and German fighters, and although the full details of the or- raiion are not yet complete it is known that at least • - stroyed. One wing, led by Group Captain Beamish, D.S.O. and bar. D.F.C.. went in over the target ahea the bombers and swept the area almost clear of German lighters. Then, when the bombers with their fighter escorts arrived, the greater part of the air fighting was over. This was the first operation in which S Finefane, D. 5.0.. D.F.C. and double bar. had taken part sin r- being wounded a week or two ago. He celebrated his return to his squadron by destroying two planes. Fuller details show that the escorted bombers completed th< w task and were on the way back to the coast when about 20 Melo9's tried to attack them. A Polish escort winshot three down in the dog-fights tha. followed. In addition right German fighter were destroyed end sew ial others claimed as prohabH s.- 8.0.W.