ROUND THE CLOCK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 50, 2 March 1943, Page 5

ROUND THE CLOCK

CONTINUOUS BOMBING SOFTENING PROCESS FOR COMING INVASION

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Recd. 6.45 p.m.) London, Feb. 28. The round-the-clock aerial onslaught on Germany and occupied Europe which the Allied air forces opened on Wednesday night may be a softening-up process for an early Allied land invasion of Europe. This is the opinion of observers in London.

The Sunday Express says that the raids are likely to go on increasing in intensity and “may be taken as the beginning of active invasion.” The diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Express says the attacks are aimed mainly at vital transport and production centres and are intended to prepare Europe for a land assault. It is believed in some quarters that definite Allied land action will not be long delayed.

The Press Association air correspondent says that this terrific onslaught may presage the ‘‘storm of bombing” which Air-Marshal Sir Arthur Harris promised the Germans nine months ago.

The Sunday Express reports that intense German military preparations are going on in France in expectation

of an early Allied invasion. The tension in the German garrisons has doubled since reconnaissance revealed “mysterious preparations at British ports.’’

Quoting a report from Le Havre that the Luftwaffe is singularly interested by the enormous preparation in certain British ports, the Berne newspaper Le Havre said that German reconnaissance had led to the belief that “we are on the eve of an English attempt of unsuspected audacity.’’ (Recd. 10 p.m.) New York, Feb. 28. The United Press states that military experts expressed the opinion that British and American round-the-clock bombing in Europe mark the beginning of the huge air assault promised by President Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill. However, Germany will probably not feel the full weight of the offensive until the spring The New York Times says the bombings provide a test of American theories, and: point out that British aerial strategy is based on night bombing with heavy loads scattered on a mass objective, but Americans pin their faith on high-altitude precision daylight bombing. Both methods are now being applied in a continuous pattern whose results may shape the future of aerial warfare.