GERMAN AERIAL. DEMONSTRATION

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22245, 14 January 1944, Page 2

GERMAN AERIAL. DEMONSTRATION

Some of Germany’s “secret weapons” were apparently employed in the big aerial battle over western Europe on Tuesday, when the first large-scale opposition for some time was encountered. The raiding American aircraft had to contend with planes trailing bombs on long cables, planes firing rocket shells, and rocket anti-aircraft shells. The evidence suggests that this was a special Nazi effort designed to convince the German people that the Luftwaffe is still capable of defending Germany. This impression is heightened by the fact that a special communique was issued by Hitler’s headquarters reporting the battle and claiming that 123 American aircraft were destroyed for the loss of nine German machines. Final Allied figures say that at least 125 German planes were shot down for the loss of 60 American bombers and 5 fighters. The figures are so ridiculously at variance that an explanation is needed. Probably the explanation is that Hitler, having arranged his demonstration of the power of the Luftwaffe, was determined not to spoil the effect by publishing unfavourable results. For some time the Luftwaffe has been avoiding large-scale battles, probably to conserve aircraft against a more urgent need later. Frequently large formations of Allied machines completed their missions over enemy territory without serious challenge. This was not good for German morale. The Germans have at least shown that on special occasions they can offer very stern opposition in the air. Their economy in the use of aircraft and concentration on the construction of fighters instead of bombers will probably place at their disposal very powerful fighter forces when the time comes to meet an invasion from the west.