NAZI AIR LOSSES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 142, 16 May 1940, Page 9

NAZI AIR LOSSES

NEW ZEALANDER’S BAG. HEAVY TOLL EXACTED. KEEN COMPETITION. (United Press Association; —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received May 16, 9.16 a.m. LOIN DON, May 15. An official statement says that 35 Allied ’planes have been lost in the great battle at Sedan and in the Meuse crossings. At least fifteen German ’planes have been destroyed, while two permanent and two pontoon bridges have been blown up.

In the fury of these engagements detailed reports cannot bo expected. Heavy losses must be sustained in attacking strongly-defended objectives. The British losses, which are not considered excessive in view of the results, were 35 ’planes. However, several crews from these have already returned to their aerodromes. A South Australian, Ij. Clisby, and the New Zealander, Flying-Officer E. J. Kain, D.F.0., so far share the honour of being the leading pilots in the Royal Air Force advanced air striking force. . . : Clisby is credited with fourteen enemy ‘planes and Kain’s total to last Friday was eleven, since when it is known that he lias had further successes and probably equals Clisby s total. One fighter squadron alone has bagged 27 since May 10 and 39 since the outbreak of tlie war. All the original pilots of this squadron liavo shot down at least three machines. The German High Command says: “Enemy attempts to hinder the German air force by bombing our positions were repulsed without seriously affecting our air initiative. Enemy losses of ’planes are over two hundred. Thirtyfive German ’planes are missing.”