NAZI AIR TAGTICS

Taranaki Daily News, 25 September 1940, Page 7

NAZI AIR TAGTICS

British Official Wireless.

MANY CHANGES FORCED COUNTERING NIGHT RAIDS

Rec. 5.5 p.m. Rugby, Sept. 23. Air Marshal Sir Fhilip Joubert in a broadcast to the United States to-night discussed the changes of policy forced on the Luftwaffe and attacks by the Royal Air Force on objectives in enemy; and occupied

countries. "Early in' August the Luftwaffe at- ' tempted to invade this country in daylight and by sheer force of numbers beat down our defences," said Sir . Phjlip. "That effort cost them dear. The enemy then sent over individual bombers, using also covers, to attack vital objectives. Loss of many of these lone raiders made him change again. "His third scheme was to send oceasional strong forces to bomb our airfields and communications. One of these attacks lost 20 per cent. of its numbers. Then he tried escorting small numbers of bombers with powerful fighter forces to get through to our vital points. In this fighting our losses became heavier, but we still took greater toll of the German air force, in particular its fighters. One Hopeful Sign. "So Hitler comes to night bombing— a form of attack hard to parry. There is, however, one distinctly hopeful sign. We are beginning to take reasonable toll of these night birds. We are getting on well with night interception. I hope to see during the next- few weeks the figures j steadily mounting until the proportion of 'German casualties by night approaches that by day. "In night fighting, once casualties become severe, the moral effect is larger than by day. Setting off together in large formations in- daylight, bombers and fighters give each otlier courage. At night the single pilot and crew have no outside source from which to draw additional stores of courage." Turning to the Royal Air Force offensive, Sir Philip Joubert, emphasised the physical disadvantages suffered owing to the fact that, whereas the German bomber force had only & short 20 minutes' flight to reach England, Royal Air Force bombers must fly four or five times that distance to reach Germany. "Naturally we are loath to bomb targets in France," he said. "Certain of these we have to attack, such as Channel ports and fields on which the German air force is disposed. Against these we can develop the full effect of our bombers' strength, but we are reluctant to carry the war any farther into France, even into the occupied part of the country. Blows at Germany Preferred. "We would much sooner be hitting the Germans in Germany, and it is this we shall go on doing. Berlin, Stettin, Leipzig, Bremen, Hamburg,' all these towns regularly feel the weight of our bomber attacks, and even if ^ve have to make a long, hard journey tb get at them the effort is worth while. "This is not retaliation. No good soldier, seaman or airman believes jn retaliation by itself. The only way to bring the enemy down is to hit those things which contribute to the maintenance and development of his armed forces. Our inflexible aim is to pursue this course." Discussing German preparations for invcsion, Sir Philip Joubert said: "For the Germans to use successfully the weapon they have forged they must have air superiority over the south-east of England. With this power in their hands it would be possible for the Germans to seize a harbour with air-borne troops aad after establishing such a bridgehead to use small steamships to bring over reinforcements and thus develop a powerful offensive on land. """"e are prepared for this. I do not believe the Germans will be able to obtain air superiority, and our land and sea defences are strong. I think most of us feel we would like the matter put to , a test. and we are awaiting with impatience the German decision to make their gambler's throw."