RISING POWER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 June 1941, Page 5

RISING POWER

OF BRITISH ONSLAUGHT UNDER METHODICAL POLICY. SUPERIOR QUALITY OF MEN & MACHINES. LONDON. June 27. The Royal Air Force continues to take drastic advantage of German preoccupation with Russia and is now dropping on German territory at least thrice the weight of bombs released ,last autumn, it is believed that the offensive has not yet reached its maximum. The “Daily Telegraph" aeronautical correspondent says the R.A.F. attacks are part of an accumulating assault which will only slacken under the compulsion of the weather. The day offensive is designed to test the vulnerability of enemy defences to day bombers escorted by large formations of fighters. The next step in daylight raids will .be beyond the reach of fighter escorts, but the air staff is waiting until the skies are cleared up. The offensive will steadily gather momentum until it has reached a pitch where it may vindicate the theory that wars may be won by bombing attack alone, provided it is sufficiently sustained and intense. A significant feature is the noticeable decline in the percentage of R.A.F. casualties contrasted with the growing proportion of casualties of German raiders over Britain. Germany is making an effort to counter the lull in her own offensive by claiming that the Luftwaffe is using new heavy bombs!' Results do not substantiate this.

The “Daily Mail” says that in the Battle of Britain the R.A.F. inflicted three-to-one losses. Now the R.A.F. is taking the offensive the Germans are losing fighters in the same ratio, which is a magnificent tribute to the quality of the men and the machines. This superiority will be more marked when the new super-fighters are operating.