STILL EXTENDING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 July 1941, Page 5

STILL EXTENDING

R.A.F. DAY AND NIGHT OFFENSIVE

Attack Yesterday on Power Station Near Bethune NIGHT TARGETS INCLUDE OIL PLANT IN LEIPZIG AREA MARGIN OF FIGHTER LOSSES WELL AGAINST ENEMY J.OXPOX, July 9. The R.A.F’s. daylight offensive was continued today when heavy bombers were used to attack a power station near Bethune. I'he targets was hit by powerful bombs. Thirteen enemy fighters were destroyed, one by a bomber and the others by fighters. Eight of our nghcers are missing, but the pilot of one is safe. Last night widespread attacks were made on important industrial centres of Germany and vital points in the enemy’s communication system, the Buhr receiving special attention. Although Germany has shifted some of her industries further eastward, the iron and steel industry cannot be moved away, because the Ruhr is the only region in Germany where hard coal is found. As a German said: “The fate of the Ruhr is the fate of Germany. ’ ’ Among the centres attacked last night was Hamm, the main railway junction between the Ruhr and Germany’s Eastern frontier. This was the first time this badlybattered place had been visited since last November. Other aircraft travelled more than a thousand miles, going and returning, to attack a great synthetic oil plant near Leipzig. A railway centre east of Munster was left in flames. Seven British bombers were lost in these widespread operations. The Germans lost five planes over Britain last night when their attack was concentrated on the Midlands. The damage was slight and the number of casualties was small.