RAID PROBLEMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 215, 10 September 1940, Page 7

RAID PROBLEMS.

SEEKING AN ANSWER. Work Of Interceptors In Night Attacks. (Reed. 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 9. The present month is regarded in informed quarters as probably the most critical period of the war. Having suffered considerable losses in daylight air attacks the Nazis now appear to be concentrating on night bombings, especially on London, carrying out these operations with a much smaller number of aeroplanes and, of course, with a far higher degree of immunity. The attacks of the last two nights, probably assisted by the only successful day attack—that of Saturday afternoon —are the only occasions on which the German Air Force has yet succeeded, and, then at very great loss. London, however, as well ae other centres of highly concentrated population, must face the certainty of a continuation of night bombing. It is pointed out that the problem of interception of the night bomber has not yet been solved, although British experts are hopeful of reaching a satisfactory answer before the Germans are able to do so. Meanwhile, it is stressed that the efficient black-out is the best defence. Taking last night's raids as an example, authoritative circles explain the difficulties which were encountered by the defence, both the interceptor and on the ground. As far as interceptors are concerned their- task of finding an opponent flying in the darkness at 300 miles an hour is obviously very difficult.