R.A.F. STRIKES HARD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 140, 14 May 1940, Page 7

R.A.F. STRIKES HARD.

ENEMY TROOPS IMPEDED. SUCCESS OF SPITFIRES. (British Official Wireless.) Received May 14, 11.23 a.ra. 'RUGBY, May 13. The Air Ministry announces “intensive operations by the It.A.F. continue on all parts of the front. Considerable numbers of enemy bombers have been encountered, often escorted by fighters. The striking success of our fighters’ defence may explain the fantastic claims made by the enemy as to the number of Spitfires destroyed. Actually only one Spitfire has been forced clown —after a battle near Rotterdam early this morning in which a flight of Spitfires shot down three enemy dive bombers and at least one of the fighters escorting them. The Spitfire pilot escaped uninjured. “The attacks on our aerodromes today have been less intense. Little damage to aerodromes lias been done and the casualties are slight. The advance of enemy troops lias been impeded by a series’ of successful night bombing attacks on both sides of the Dutch frontier. The reoccupation of Waalliaven aerodrome (Rotterdam) by the enemy has been followed by a series of bombing attacks which have restricted the use of this aerodrome. Daylight bombing attacks have been successfully carried out against enemy columns in Belgium and Luxembourg. Intense opposition was encountered, resulting in some loss to our bomber, squadrons. “Coastal Command aircraft have been engaged patrolling the Dutch coast and accounted for several enemy fighters. Attacks were also made oil enemv patrol vessels.” The War Minister (Mr Eden), in the House of Comomons, said the creation of means to deal with enemy landings by parachute is receiving immediate attention.