INCREASED BOMBER STRENGTH

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21687, 25 March 1942, Page 2

INCREASED BOMBER STRENGTH

New Zealand has paid a substantial tribute to the men of the Air Force by subscribing more than £250,000 on the first two days of the “ bonds for bombers ” week. It is evident that during the whole week a very large sum will be raised for the purchase of bombers. Developments on the northern Australian coast have indicated how important a part bombers may play in the defence of that country, and perhaps of New Zealand, by attacking the invasion fleets and the aerodromes or aircraft-carriers of the enemy. With steady improvement in the technique of bombing, bombers are becoming one of the most telling weapons in the armoury of the warring Powers. Bombers will yet be largely instrumental in setting a limit to the range of the Japanese aggression. The demand for offensive action is heard in every direction. Since the bomber is essentially an offensive weapon, there is at the moment no more appropriate outlet for the enthusiasm of the people than in building up the bomber strength. Both Australia and New Zealand have long coastlines to protect and long-range craft of the bomber class are therefore required in large numbers. Very heavy toll has already been taken of Japanese ships and men. If invasion fleets can be wrecked before they reach their objective a double purpose is served. Japan can move her great armies only by sea. Her shipping resources are limited and every vessel that can be blasted from the air is a serious loss. For that reason it is good to see that New Zealand is prepared to give that more bombers might be built.