“TANK-BUSTERS”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 March 1943, Page 4

“TANK-BUSTERS”

HURRICANES WITH HEAVY GUNS EFFECTIVE USE AGAINST ARMOURED FORCES. SUCCESSES IN DESERT & TUNISIA. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day. 11.0 a.m.) RUGBY, March 14. Special Hurricanes, fitted with heavy-calibre guns, primarily designed for attacking armoured vehicles, have been in operation in the Western Desert campaigns since June, 1942. The Air Minister (Sir A. Sinclair), in the House of Commons, referred to them as “tank-busters.” The latest success of these aircraft was gained on March 10. when at least twenty enemy vehicles, a number of guns and about twenty armoured cars were destroyed out of a number attacking the Fighting French forces near Kharrhilane. These aircraft made their first appearance on any battlefield in June last. In their first engagement they destroyed or immobilised many large vehicles. Although the “tank-buster” is a valuable contribution to our air striking force, it is not regarded as a weapon normally used for opposing or countering enemy armoured forces. The German equivalent, several of which were captured in the recent advance, is considerably inferior in armament and performance and has so far not scored any success against our armoured forces. The special Hurricanes went into action again on the opening day at El Alamein and .secured hits on nineteen tanks. In several days they destroyed a great number of vehicles and confirmation of their success was forthcoming 'in the sweeping advance made by the Eighth Army through Daba and Fuka. Now through their experimental stage, the “tank-busters” have been in action again.