BERLIN RAIDED

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22353, 20 May 1944, Page 5

BERLIN RAIDED

500 BOMBERS OUT EQUAL FIGHTER ESCORT BRUNSWICK VISITED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received May 20, 2.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 19 After three days’ lull large forces of Allied planes swept over the Straits of Dover today to renew the air offensive against* the Continent. Strong forces of Liberators and Fortresses, escorted by Thunderbolts, Lightnings and Mustangs, attacked targets in Berlin and also the Brunswick area.

Small formations of Allied Expeditionary Air Force Mosquitoes and Typhoon fighter-bombers attacked military objectives in Northern France.

Between 500 and 750 bombers accompanied by approximately an equal number of fighters raided Berlin today. The raid, like the previous attack on May 8, was carried out at mid-day. The German radio, whose programmes were broken up and disorganised for several hours, reported violent air battles over Osnabruck. Strong forces of R.A.F. fighters swept over France. In the afternoon fighter squadrons crossed and re-crossed the Straits of Dover, returning from the direction of the Calais area. Small formations of Royal Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force Mosquitoes, under Spitfire escort, attacked Northern France again in the afternoon. It is officially announced that 125 enemy aircraft were shot down today in the daylight raids against Berlin and Brunswick, 53 by the bombers and 72 by the fighters. Twenty-six bombers, and 19 fighters are missing.