FORTY ATTACKS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 December 1939, Page 7

FORTY ATTACKS

MADE ON BRITISH BOMBERS HELIGOLAND BIGHT ACTION HEAVY LOSSES INFLICTED ON ENEMY. REPLY TO NAZI FALSEHOODS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 19. 11 is now believed that more Ilian 12 Messerschmitt lighters were shot down by the Royal Air Korea bombers during Monday’s act ion over Heligoland Bight, of which at least six were of Ihe new Al Ell) type. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy, and it was inevitable in such fierce action that the British aircraft should also suffer losses. But the German claim that 36 British aircraft were brought down is made more ridiculous by the fact that the total number of British aircraft engaged did not amount to anything like that figure. One British bomber alone accounted for five German fighters. The German fighters made about 40 separate attacks. The leader of the British formation said. “I could see them collecting like flies, waiting to attack us.’’ Between Heligoland and Wilhelmshaven 25 Messerschmitts were seen. Even when the battle had begun the British crews continued on their course over German waters. ' determined to press on and bring back all the information they could obtain. They also met with heavy anti-aircraft fire from ships and from the shore. Some enemy fighters hung on as the British bombers were returning. One of the British aircraft, while heading for home, became isolated from the others. It seemed to be an easy prey, and Messerschmitts attacked it in force. The pilot, in an effort to avoid them, dived to sea level and skimmed over the sea surface with the enemy on his tail. Two Messerschmitts, venturing too close, were immediately shot down by the rear gunner. Another Messerschmitt joined the attack, and its fire wounded the rear gunner and damaged the centre gun and wireless set. The second pilot took the rear gunner's place, but found the ammunition was spent. A moment later the front gunner was wounded. The reserve pilot thereupon scrambled from the rear turret to the front gun. There he found plenty of ammunition and made full use of it.

The British aircraft finally shook off its pursuers and reached home. From the moment when it had dived to escape till when it actually got away its gunners had accounted for five enemy fighters. Another of the British aircraft when within 80 miles of the English coast on its way home was forced down in the sea. Its plight was observed by the pilot of the following aircraft, which flew over it with the intention of dropping a rubber boat in case the crew of the other bomber had not been able to make theirs ready. The crew, however had. been able to launch then own’boat and, after some considerable time, the airmen were picked up by a passing trawler. Another aircraft, whose rudder was damaged in the action, made a safe forced landing a few miles from home.