WAR IN THE AIR.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16145, 25 February 1918, Page 7

WAR IN THE AIR.

BRITISH ACTIVITIES. RAIDS ON WEST FRONT. (By Cable. —Press Association. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Reuter's Telegrams.) (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 23. Sir Douglas Haig reports:— "Our aeroplanes yesterday dropped bombs on billets and railway sidings at Courtrai, Ledeghem, and Douai. Wo brought down nine hostile machines and throe of ours are missing. "Last night <378 bombs were dropped, 300 on an aerodrome south-east of Le Cateau, which was used by the enemy's nightfliers. Nineteen direct hits were secured on hangars. "The remainder of the bombs were dropped on aerodromes in Ghent and Tournai." GLORIOUS AND INVALUABLE AIRMEN. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, February 22. Tn the Houso of Commons, Mr J. L. Baird (Parliamentary Secretary to the Air Board), introducing the Air Board's estimates, praised our courageous boyish aviators, who are constantly exposed to attacks by enemy aircraft and antiaircraft guns. He paid a special tribute to oversea aviators for their loyal and brave services on all fronts. In one day, owing to aerial observation, the British artillery silenced 127 enemy batteries, destroyed 28 gun-pits, and damaged 80, and also exploded 60 ammunition dumps. Balloon observations tho same dav resulted in tho silencing of 31 batteries. The work of our fighting squadrons was glorious and invaluable. During September thoy destroyed 139 enemy machines and shot down 122. In the samo month 15,837 photographs of l enemy positions were taken and 7886 bombs dropped.