DEFENCE ACCLAIMED

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 18, 16 October 1942, Page 5

DEFENCE ACCLAIMED

Man Of The Moment At Malta BATTLE OF BRITAIN TACTICS AGAIN (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Special Correspondent.) (Received October 15, 7 p.m.) LONDON, October 14. “The man of the moment” ami the “man behind the Malta victories” are descriptions given by London newspapers to Air Vice-Marshal Keith Rodney Park, Dunedin, in commenting on aud reporting the heavy losses sustained by the Germans over Malta all the week—lo 6 lost or limiting in 48 hours. Thus tlie "Star”: "The man immediately behind Malta’s latest successes is Vice-Marshal Park, who, during the Buttle of Britain, played a big part in helping to save this country. In Mattas defence, be Ims once again, by brilliant direction of his idiots, put into operation exactly the same tactics he used during the heavy daylight raids when assistant officer commanding No. 11 Group. His squadrons bore the brunt on the soulli aud south-east coast. “Park's plan of defence is early interception. He decided that when Malta was supplied with Spittires, he would get the enemy bombers while they were still at sea, though they had only 70 miles to come. It is obviously sound theory, but the man who puts it into practice needs to be a genius at organization, Hie efficiency of the defensive organization under Park must be perfect, _ nud the timing of the Spitfires in the air almost miraculous.” Enemy Turned Back. The Air Ministry (Middle East) news service describes a “classic” interception when the Spitfires dived ou enemy planes some 30 miles out. to sea, shooting down more than half. Not one was allowed to get. anywhere near Malta. The Malta “massacre” has thrilled all Britain. At Buckingham Palace, the King awarded D.F.M.’s to Flight Lieutenant J. P. Barrow, Gisborne, Pilot Officer C. A. Armstrong, Devonport, Warrant Officer O. W. Thompson. Waipiro Bay. He also awarded the A.F.M. to Pilot Officer D. P. Phillips, Wellington. The New Zealand High Commissioner, Mr. Jordan, later congratulated them at the New Zealand Forces Club. Armstrong and Thompson both fought at Malta. They are all now instructors.

THOUSANDTH RAIDER Canadian Pilot’s Success (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 14. Malta has brought down its thousandth in the Mediterranean. It fell soon after enemy raider since the outbreak of war dawn on Tuesday to Pilot .Officer G. F. Beurling, a Canadian, who destroyed two other hostile aircraft in the same fight, making his score 26, including 24 at Malta, where he arrived iu June. The Secretary of State for Air, Sir Archibald Sinclair, has sent to the air officer commanding at Malta, Air ViceMarshal Park, a congratulatory message “to your squadrons on their brilliant exploits in recent battles. The destruction of more than 1000 aircraft by the airmen and gunners of Malta is a glorious aud significant achievement.” Between October 10 and 13, a total of 60 enemy aircraft was destroyed over Malta during day and night attacks, for the loss of six R.A.F. fighters. SEVEN MORE RAIDERS SHOT DOWN LONDON, October 15. Malta is keeping up its toll of Axis raiders, at least seven having been shot down yesterday. This brings the total of enemy plum's destroyed to 65 during the four days during which the Axis air offensive has been intensified.