AIR COMBATS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 March 1940, Page 6

AIR COMBATS

NAZI PLANE SHOT DOWN IN FRANCE CRASH BETWEEN LINES. MORE ATTACKS ON FISHING CRAFT. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.5 a.m.) RUGBY. March 3. Tonight the Air Alinistry announced: “Early this afternoon a fighter patrol 01. the British Air Force in France intercepted and shot down a Ileinkel 3. The aircraft crashed between the lines and two ol’ tlie crew were seen to set lire to it before escaping to the German posit ions. "In the early hours of Friday morning, while it was still dark. German airmen attacked four trawlers fishing in the North Sea. There was no question. of mistaking these ships for anything than what they actually were, because the ships were burning working lights. “Orders to the German Air Force to attack hitherto unarmed fishing boats seem to be on the increase and Nazi bombers are often engaged in these not too dangerous expeditions. Comparatively little damage has yet been done to the boats and none to the morale of the British fishermen, who still regularly put to sea.” TRAGIC ERROR BRITISH PLANE SHOT DOWN BY COMRADE FIGHTERS. CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. (Received This Day, 11.5 a.m.) RUGBY, March 3. The Air Ministry announced this evening: “As a result of mistaken identity, one of our own aircraft was accidentally shot down by our fighters in the neighbourhood of Gravesend this afternoon." RAIDERS REPELLED ATTACKS ON SHIPPING IN NORTH SEA. ANOTHER FLIGHT OVER BERLIN. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day. 10.45 a.m.) LONDON. March 3. Trawlers returning to a northeast port state that four German planes dropped’’bombs near shipping in the North Sea last night, but were driven off by anti-aircraft fire.

Anti-aircraft guns went into action in the Thames Estuary this morning. No planes were seen. Royal Air Force bombers were over Berlin last night for the fifth time in six days. Anti-aircraft guns were fired. Leaflets and parachute flares were dropped. Fighters were seen, but no engagement occurred. The flight lasted for ten hours and all the planes returned safely. GERMAN CLAIMS SHIPS ALLEGEDLY SUNK. BRITISH PLANE SHOT DOWN. (Received This Day. 11.20 a.m.) BERLIN. March 3. A communique states that the Air Force reconnoitred the entire North Sea to the Orkneys. Planes successfully attacked British warships and merchantmen in convoys. One ship was sunk and another observed to be on fire and four were so damaged by bombs that their loss is probable. The Official News Agency says the Air Force on Saturday reconnoitred the neighbourhood of Paris and Northern France. Seven British Hurricanes attacked one German machine during its return, when in the ensuing fight one Hurricane was shot down. The German plane returned safely. POOR EFFORT ENEMY PLANES ON BRITISH EAST COAST. AN UNOBTRUSIVE VISIT. (Received This Day 11 a.m.) LONDON. March 3. The “Sunday Chronicle" says forty Nazi bombers crossed the East Coast on the night of February 27, but did not attempt to fly inland and consequently were not engaged. No warnings were sounded. This was the Nazis return visit for the Royal Air Force flight.to Berlin on the previous night, but where the Royal Air Force left leaflets and sought Io challenge the German defences, the Nazis did not seek to make their presence known. GERMAN LOSSES THREE PLANES SHOT DOWN RUGBY. March 2. _ The Air Ministry announces this evening: _ ... . “Fighter aircraft of the British forces in France today shot down two enemy Dornier aircraft, which fell in France and a Messerschmitt which fell behind the enemy lines."