AIR ATTACKS FAIL

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1931, Page 5

AIR ATTACKS FAIL

U.S.A. MANOEUVRES RESULT. (United Prose Association—By Electric Telegr aph—Oopyri gh t j. WASHINGTON, February 26. Admiral Pratt, reporting recent Fleet manoeuvres off Panama, stated the consensus of the officers’ opinions were that air attacks were of 'Mess value as a means of defence against fleets’’ than was expected. Vice-Admir-al Reeves asserted that the Air Force alone, could not stop the advance of battleships, or prevent them carrying out landing operations. Chairman Britten of the House Naval Committee, remarked: “ft is interesting to note that even the aviation enthusiasts of the Navy now admit the superiority of battleships.” Among notes summarising the manoeuvres were-two:—“ln two days’ operation, the defending air force’s strengt.ii, both in planes and bombs was reduced by half. When the problem ended the air strength approached exhaustion in areoplaiies, bombs and in fuel for both carriers and planes. (2) “Despite successful air operations and damage inflicted on convoy, the maximum efforts of the Air Force had no effect upon the steady advance of tile attacking fleet.” Carriers were found to he hampered by lack of adequate protection against gull fife and an inability to escape ( while- operating planes. JAP NAVAL PLANE TRAGEDY. TOKIO, February 27. Returning from a practice flight, a naval aeroplane crashed against . the mother ship “Akagi.” A lieutenant who was piloting and a mechanic who. was accompanying him were killed.