ENEMY LOSSES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 August 1940, Page 5

ENEMY LOSSES

AT LEAST FIFTY=THREE AIRCRAFT SOME SHIPS CONSIDERABLY DAMAGED. THREE COASTERS TORPEDOED. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.15 a.m.) RUGBY, August 8. At least 53 enemy aircraft were destroyed in the course of persistent attacks on a Channel convoy today. An Admiralty and Air Ministry communique states: “Enemy attacks on one of our convoys in the Channel were made in the dark hours of early morning by E-boats (motor torpedo-boats). During the attacks one E-boat was sunk and anothed damaged. “Three coastal vessels in the convoy were struck by torpedoes and sank. Air attacks on this convoy began this morning and were renewed at intervals throughout the day. The results of the enemy bombing attacks are not fully known, but several ships have received considerable damage, the extent of which it is not yet possible to ascertain. A number of survivors and injured have already been landed. "The attacking enemy forces consisted of a large numbers of divebombers. accompanied by single and twin-engined fighters. As each attack developed, the enemy formations were heavily engaged by squadrons of our fighters. Severe losses were inflicted on the enemy, of which full reports are not yet available, but it is already confirmed that 53 enemy aircraft were destroyed. Sixteen of our fighter pilots are reported as missing.”