249 THIS YEAR

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21415, 8 May 1941, Page 7

249 THIS YEAR

ENEMY AEROPLANE LOSSES NIGHT RAIDERS DESTROYED i United press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright; (Received May 8, 11 a.m.) LONDON, May 7 The nine enemy aircraft destroyed last night brings the total definitely accounted for in May during night attacks on Britain to 50. The total since January 1 is 249. Of the 50 destroyed this month 39 were brought down by night lighters, ten by anti-aircraft fire, and one by balloon barrage. Success Against Odds The Ministry of Home Security says: Since dawn today there has been continuous enemy activity by fighter aircraft near the south-east coast and the Thames Estuary. Spitfires of the Fighter Command have engaged them and there has been a number of dogfights. Four Messerschmitt 109’s were destroyed and one Spitfire is missing. Soon after six o’clock four Spitfires engaged eight Messerschmitt 109’s and destroyed two of them. A quarter of an hour later three Spitfires of the same squadron found three Messerschmitt 109’s flying at sea level and three at 1600 feet. In the ensuing fight one of the Messerschmitt 109’s was destroyed. Later six Spitfires of another squadron encountered other Messerschmitt 109’s, one of which they destroyed. Northern Ireland Raided A communique issued by Northern Ireland states that some slight enemy activity was experienced over Northern Ireland in the small hours of the morning. A few minor incidents are reported, but so far no news of serious casualties has been received. Claims By Germany A German communique claims that strong Luftwaffe formations last night attacked Clydeside, Liverpool, Newcastle, Plymouth and other harbours, in addition to aerodromes in the south-east of England.