CEASELESS STREAM

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 March 1943, Page 3

CEASELESS STREAM

MANY TYPES OF PLANES USED GERMANY IN FOR BAD TIME. CARRYING OUT MR CHURCHILL’S PROMISE. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) ' LONDON, February 27. It is commented in London that this is a terrific demonstration of the attacking power of the United Nations in the west. A ceaseless stream of Lancasters, Flying Fortresses, Liberators, Whirlwinds, Venturas, Mosquitoes and Spitfires helped to carry out Mr Churchill’s promise of last June when he said: “Germany will be subjected to an ordeal the like of which has never been experienced by any country in continuity, severity and magnitude.” The raid on Cologne last night was the heaviest since last May. In spite of the wholesale evacuation, it is believed there are still 500,000 people living in Cologne (the pre-war population was over 700,000). It has been raided 113 times and is Germany’s most-bombed city. Since last May, great efforts at restoration and repair have been reported. One raid on the city last October and two this month’have had good effect in retarding the progress, and last night’s attack was the heaviest Cologne has had apart from the 1000-bomber raid. The anti-aircraft defences were again reported to be very moderate, and few enemy fighters were seen. Two of our bombers are missing. Bombs were also dropped on objectives in western Germany last night. Aircraft of the Fighter Command attacked railway targets in northern France yesterday. The Air Ministry states: “Today Venturas of the Bomber Command attacked the docks at Dunkirk. The weather was good, and bursts were seen on quays and shipping. R.A.F., United States and Dominion fighters covered the operation. There were a number of combats, and two enemy fighters were destroyed. One of ours is missing. “Whirlwinds with an escort of fighters bombed an airfield at Maupierts without loss. “Three fighters are missing from a United States raid on Brest.” American combat crews back from the raid on Brfest in daylight reported seeing bombs burst and fires start in the target area. Spitfires, which provided cover, effectually beat off what fighter opposition there was. Only about five enemy aircraft were seen during the raid. MINES LAID TARGETS IN WESTERN GERMANY BOMBED. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m.) RUGBY, February 28. The Air Ministry states: Last night Bomber Command aircraft laid mines in enemy waters and bombed objectives in Western Germany. One of our aircraft is missing.”