LULL IN BOMBING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 January 1941, Page 2

LULL IN BOMBING

BUT NO COMPLACENCY IN BRITAIN EXPLANATIONS DISCUSSED. I i ENEMY'S SUPPOSED PLANS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, January 27. ! Commenting on the six nights’ freedom of the capital from the visitations by Nazi aircraft, the "Star" says Britain may be certain that the lull in night bombing is the result of a strategic decision by the enemy. "Several explanations are being discussed." it adds, "and it is good to note that none of them is flavoured with complacence. "Perhaps Hitler has been shifting his air strength to the Mediterranean or the Danube basin. Or maybe a big overhaul and re-equipment of the bomber squadrons became necessary. Whatever the explanation, we have learned not to delude ourselves with sedatives about a shortage of men or ammunition across the Channel or that our defences have already frightened the enemy away. “We realise that the lull is almost certainly a calm preceding a renewal of the storm. That we have faced the prospect, with steady nerves and ready arms is a guarantee to the world that we are spiritually as well as materially prepared for whatever trials the year may bring. If invasion by air and sea be attempted in the spring, Hitler’s hordes will find themselves at grips with a people prepared to meet them,'mentally, emotionally and in armed strength as no nation has ever been prepared before. “To hazard all his fortunes upon this single desperate stroke would compel him to run the gauntlet of the world’s greatest Navy and an Air Force j superior in quality and rapidly ap- i proaching his own in quantity. If by some miracle of German valour and prodigality in human sacrifice these defences are pierced, the Nazi forces will still have to meet the largest Army ever assembled in this realm, exceeding!}’ well equipped with all its Dunkirk losses replaced and chockfull of offensive spirit. Behind that army there stands a fourth line of defence, ’hat rampart of strong arms and stout hearts. 1.750,000 men of the Home Guard.

“There are the reasons why we sleep quietly of nights and are not dismayed or cast down by the most bloodcurdling threats of destruction pouring out in sulphurous clouds from Berlin."