REPRISAL

Camp News, Volume 1, Issue 42, 27 September 1940, Page 2

REPRISAL

The persistent and cruel attacks upon the civil populace of London are the dominating feature of the news of the past few weeks, and like the magnetic mine and other “surprise” features employed by* the enemy, Great Britain will surely overcome such initial advantages expediently and efficiently with telling results. It took Germany many years to develop the magnetic mine and in more than seven years they have not discovered a counter for it; on the other hand Britain effectively countered it in seven days. It is interesting to note also that Britain had magnetic mines in the Great War. Apart from the fact that Germany’s air offensive has been considerably checked in spite of the varying tactics employed, and the tremendous losses suffered by Germany during this “trying out” period, which far outweigh their military significance, these raids still continue with diminishing effectiveness. Germany has not, and never will gain ascendancy in the air, for the freedom of the air will be mastered by Britain as surely as the freedom of the seas. It is even more interesting to note that these opinions are expressed by many competent neutral observers. ‘

Meanwhile negotiations are in progress with the United States of America for the purchase of “flying fortresses” presumably for the purposes of reprisals against the cruel attacks of wanton destruction. Noth withstanding the .brilliant successes of the R.A.F. in destroying military objectives in Germany and throughout the occupied countries the effectiveness of such “flying fortresses” can be visualised by the known performances of such craft which have a very long flying range and can operate at a height to which no attacking planes can ascend. They are capable of carrying tremendous loads of high explosives and are well equipped with machine guns. The “flying fortress” is officially known as B-17 and is a four-motored bomber built by the Boeing Aircraft Corporation. Two years ago a formation of these planes flew, a distance of 10,000 miles and yet another flight of 2,500 miles was accomplished at 20,000 feet with a maximum of 33,000 feet which is 6,000 feet above the normal height of bombers. The latter flight was made in about nine and a quarters hours. The cabins were electrically heated and the outside temperatures were sometimes 12 degrees below zero.

The average speed maintained was 270 miles an hour with a maximum of 376 m.p.h. The plane has a wingspread of 105 feet and weights 22 tons and is capable of carrying four 2,000 lb. bombs besides smaller bombs. The advantages of the “flying fortress” are all-weather efficiency, range, and the fact that it travels so high that ground instruments and observers would

never detect its approach. A sizeable fleet of these planes are capable of blasting Berlin and what is left of Germany out of existence to say nothing of Rome and Italian possessions. One thing is certain, you can rely upon Britain to do the right thing at the right time and the resultant outcome will dispel all doubts of complete mastery of the situation.

Amongst the latest economy hints is the suggestion that we should put our linen handkerchiefs away and use cheap ones made of paper. Atishoo paper, we suppose.