PLANS FOR INVASION

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22244, 13 January 1944, Page 3

PLANS FOR INVASION

GREAT AIR POUNDING NEED OF GOOD WEATHER < Special Correspondent) ) (Received Jan. 13, noon) LONDON, Jan. 12 The claim that United States Army Air Force Liberators and fortresses fought one of rhe biggest air battles of tne war over Germany on January 11 is indicative of the growing strength of the daylight offensive, it is the forerunner of what can be expected. One of the most important factors m the coming months is going to be the weather. Meteorologists in Britain will probably be among the most consulted groups of people in the country. Given suitable weather the United States Army Air Force will be able to hammer strategical targets with precision bombing by day. while at night Royal Air Force heavy bombers will continue area bombing. If the weather is unfavourable then the pre-invasion disruption of Germany will be a protracted business. Here might be commented that little attention need be paid to German forecasts as to when the invasion will begir. They are ranging between “immediate” and “April.” Their purpose, which is propaganda, is to try to confuse the minds of the Allied populations and cause discontent if an “immediate” attack is not forthcoming. German Fighters A feature of the Luftwaffe today is the great number of fighters it now possesses. They outnumber bombers and the far greatest proportion of these fighters are based against Britain. There is also a strong force in Austria. These fighters can be relied on to give firm opposition. At present they are being used sparingly, concentrating against attacks on important targets which accounts for reports from time to time of the absence of opposition They will need to conserve their energies : for the Allied air force is still in the stage of “working up,” while the raids against Sofia indicate that the Mediterranean bombing force is beginning to get underway. Another indication of the Allied preparations is given by the news of the assembly in Britain by AngloAmerican soldiers of vast quantities of railway rolling stock for use in the invasion. It is estimated that 50 miles of new rolling-stock will be ready on the day of the invasion. They are constructed of prefabricated parts brought from America. The trains are fitted with British and continental gauges. They are made up of 40-ton refrigerator trucks tank cars; troop irur-ks. gun trucks and machinery to build roads and bridges. Allies’ Shipping Strength It is also stated that Britain and America will have 10.000,000 tons more than a year ago, which will have an important bearing on the invasion. While building up of the air, land and sea forces is going on steadily and the High Command is perfecting its plans it seems that the chief query overhanging all preparations may be summed up by the word “weather,” and the vagaries of the English weather in the immediate months ahead should be borne in mind in attemputing to assess when General Eisenhower will zero hour. Berlin Without Women Berlin is rapidly becoming a city without women, according to travellers arriving in Lisbon from Berlin. Some of the few women who are left have been conscripted to run restaurants for men who have to remain but whose wives and children have been evacuated. The same system has been set up in Hamburg. Travellers also report that many Berliners have to go to bed at sunset Because of lack of electricity, candles and fuel, all of which are being used by the^army.