MALTA “MASSACRE”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 15 October 1942, Page 2

MALTA “MASSACRE”

SPITFIRES MEET ATTACKERS Illli lost Oil LIMPING IN TWO DAYS N.Z Oi l'll I’ll COMMANDING PBAISKK ißue. I2.:ifj p.m. I London, Ocl. 14. “The man of the moment," and “Ihe man behind Malta victories." are descriptions given by London to Air Viee-Marsha 1 Keith Rodney Park, of Dunedin, in commenting and reporling on Ihe heavy losses sustained by Germans over' Malta in the past week—lo 6 lost or limping in 4S hours. Thus (lie “star" man immediately behind Malta's latest successes is Park, who during the Battle nt Britain jllavecl a big part in helping to save this' country. “in Malta's defence he once r.until b.y the brilliant direction of his pilots lactic's he used during the heavy daylight raids, when, as Air Officer Commanding No. 1! group his squadrons bore tlie brunt on the south and southeast coast. Park's plane defence is early interception. lie decided when M-bic. was supplied with Spitfires he would get the enemy bombers while thev wore still at sen. although they had only 70 miles to come, it is obviouslv a sound Ihonr.v, bul flu- man who put: ii in practice needs to lie a genius or organisation. The efficiency of defenses- orcanisntion under Park must be perfect and the timing of Spittiros m |||... air n'mn-i miraculous.” The Air Ministry Middle East News Seri ice describes ‘ the “classic'’ interception when Spitfires dived on the enemies some 30 miles out to sea. shooting down over half and not one was allowed to get anywhere near Malta. The Malta ‘massacre’’ thrilled all Britain. -P.A. Special Correspondent CONGRATULATIONS UtOM AIR SECRETARY (Rce 1 pan.' Rugby, Oct. 14. The Secretary of State for Air, Sir Archibald Sinclair, sent to the Air Oflieer Commanding at Malta, Air ViceMarshal Park, a congratulatory mes-sa-.e “To your squadrons on their brilliant exploits in recent battles. The destruction of more than loon aircraft bv airmen and gunners at Malta is a glorious and significant achievement Between 10th and 13th October sixty enemy aircraft have been destroyed over Malta, during day and night attacks for the loss of six R.A.F. fighters. 8.0. W.