AIR WARFARE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 November 1939, Page 5

AIR WARFARE

0 GERMANY’S HEAVY LOSSES LAST WEEK IN ATTEMPTS TO ASCERTAIN ALLIED PLANS. DEEP SNOW ON WESTERN FRONT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, November 26. On the Western Front deep snow has precluded important operations. Germany, taking advantage of the clear, frosty weather earlier in the week, made a tremendous aerial bid to ascertain the Allied war plans but lost about 50 airmen and 10 planes worth £400.000 in the venture. The Air Ministry announced last evening: “Aircraft of the Royal Air Force made successful flights over north-west Germany last night and early this morning.” The French officially report that on Thursday eight German reconnaissance planes were brought down on French territory, four by the R.A.F. and four by the French Air Force. One of the French fighters had not returned to its base. The German official news agency admitted the loss of seven planes during scouting flights over France on Friday, but it claimed that Messerschmitts shot down two more French, Moranes on Thursday, making the day’s bag five. By comparison with Allied successes, the German Air Force has had a dismal week, a radio report states. . German aircraft made great efforts to ascertain Allied troop dispositions, but the meagre results were obtained at a heavy cost. The losses have justified the claim that' the Allied machines are more than a match for the German aircraft so far seen. The Germans might have faster bombers and fighters than those already outpaced by the Allies, but the Allies also have such machines in reserve. BRITISH FLIGHTS OVER GERMAN NAVAL PORTS. IN FACE OF HEAVY ENEMY FIRE. (Received This Day, 9.53 a.m.) RUGBY, November 26. _ The Air Ministry announced this morning that aircraft of the Royal Air Force again made successful flights over North-West Germany yesterday. Wilhelmshaven and Heligoland were among the areas visited. Heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered at several points.