BRITISH WATCH

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20046, 19 September 1939, Page 6

BRITISH WATCH

AIR AND SEA TESTING OF PLANES FIGHT FOUR MILES UP NAZIS THREE TO' ONE FAILURE OF ATTACK (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1 p.m. RUGBY, Sept. 18. The Ministry of Information, in a statement reviewing the ceaseless watch that has been kept to prevent enemy attacks on British shipping, says that ‘when the full story can be told, it will be a stirring tale. The statement describes the immense advance in flying boats and land planes since the Great War, and goes on to review their part in reconnaissance and attack. Several submarines are already lying on the sea-bed. while others have been severely damaged. These operations, which have been going on continuously for the past fortnight, met with little opposition from the German air fores. “Two combats in the air have taken place,” continues the statement. “In one a land plane reconnaissance machine was engaged by three German fighters. Their manoeuvre resembled the 'Prince of Wales feathers,’ but it was not successful. The leading German machine was the only one able to bring fire to bear, and this was promptly returned port and starboard. Safe Return With Reports “The enemy fighters turned away from either side of the British plane, apparently with the object of attacking later. They never had the chance, for their quarry used nearby clouds and nothing more was seen of the fighters. The British reconnaissance machine returned safely with its valuable reports.

“This battle was more notable as the navigator and gunner in the Royal Air Force machine had to fight under great difficulties. Shortly before the combat started at a height of. four miles above the sea, the gunner had occasion to remove his oxygen apparatus. In the rarified air lie suddenly became unconscious. The navigator immediately went to his aid. refixed the apparatus and attended him until he recovered. “In order to do this the navigator had to remove his own oxygen lifeline and he, too, became affected. The two men had hardly recovered when the enemy appeared. - ’ In another combat a land plane attacked a German flying boat in broad daylight and chased the enemy away and calmly proceeded with its reconnaissance.

The Ministry statement adds: ‘‘Here again it is gratifying to know that the Royal Air Force machine was greatly superior in performance to the German.”