MASTERY OF THE AIR.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 23, 28 January 1916, Page 6

MASTERY OF THE AIR.

ALLIES’ PREPONDERANCE PASSING. ANSWER TO THE FOKKER NECESSARY. LONDON, 1 January 25. The Allies obtained an astonishing predominance in the air in 1915, frequently hovering over German centres in Belgium unmolested. German airi men not venturing to pursue. The reconnaissances exceeded a thousand per month, with few casualties. The New Year brought the Pokker, heralding a change. Though it has not giVe nthe enemy the initiative, it has unquestionably arrested our almost insolent command of the air, improving hi s defences. The most remarkable development in the air is the defence now vested in the fliers. Anti-air-' craft guns are practically useless. Therefore it is essential to find an answer to the Fokker. The greatest mistake is to under-estimate it. The “Times” aeronautical correspondent says the real facts about the Pokker are that the Germans are employing a machine which is consider- , ably interfering wit hour airmen’s daily work. There is no reason to believe that we have a machine as good or better. The question is whether it exists in sufficient numbers to neutralise the Fokkers. Mr. Tennant’s speech is a further instance of the sloppiness of the information given in the House of Commons on aircraft

matters. The Fokker ig capable of . flights over the British lines, but it is not intended for that purpose. It is not a German habit to fly over the enemy’s lines, like us. .Why Wave we not got big engines, when we are ahead of the rest of the world in design? When we employ better machines the Germans will not lose time - in the production of better still. Presumably they are already engaged to : that end. Our authorities must be ■ ready to look ahead for the next development. Now is the time ofr a bold, far-seeing policy in aircraft.