TOLL IN THE AIR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20661, 12 January 1942, Page 6

TOLL IN THE AIR

AXIS REVERSES BOMBERS & FIGHTERS ALLIES’ BAG OF WEEK lElec. Tel. Copyriirht—United Pres? Asun.' (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1.50 p.m. RUGBY, Jan. 11. Axis aircraft losses inflicted by the R.A.F. during the week from January 4 to January 10 were 47 bombers and seven fighters in the Middle East, one bomber and one fighter over Britain and two fighters over Europe, making a total of 58. In addition 24 enemy aircraft are known to have been destroyed in the Far East by the British and American air forces. The R.A.F. lost 12 bombers over Europe, 14 aircraft in the Middle East and four in the Far East. An Air Ministry communique states: “R.A.F. fighters destroyed an enemy bomber off the south-west coast of England early this afternoon. One of--our fighters missing from patrol was so severely damaged that its destruction is considered probable.” The Air Ministry news service states that the enemy bomber which R.A.F. fighters destroyed off the southwest coast early this afternoon was a JUBB and was shot into the sea by two Polish Spitfire pilots. The pilots were on convoy escort duty when they saw the German aircraft creeping into the attack low. down over the water. Both turned to go after it, but the German saw .them coming and turned and ; made hurriedly for the French coast. A long chase ensued and it was not until the Spitfire pilots had flown nearly 50 miles that they overtook the JUBB and were close chough to op'e'n' fire. In turn each pumped long bursts of ammunition into the German, despite return fire from the rear gunner. As they attacked they were only feet above the wave tops and just before the JU finally crashed his reargunrier’s bullets richochetted off the water into tlie air at the Spitfires. Neither Spitfire was damaged and both returned to continue the patrol. The Ministry of Home' Security states there was'no air activity over Britain during daylight. ■ A message-from- Merseyside states that most- of- the- few casualties caused by last night’s-raid-occurred when a bomb demolished - four three-storey houses. Thq tragedy was that use y/as not made of the surface shelters a few yards ..from, the front houses. These shelters were not touched.