SWARMS OF FIGHTERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 September 1943, Page 4

SWARMS OF FIGHTERS

MET BY ALLIED PLANES OVER BEAUVAIS BUT ATTACKS SUCCESSFULLY PRESSED HOME. NINE ENEMY AIRCRAFT SHOT DOWN. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.45 a.m.) RUGBY, September 27. Flying through flak and a swarm of enemy fighters, United States Marauders delivered another blow against the heavily-defended fighter base at Beauvais (about 40 miles north of Paris), in the sixth raid on the aerodrome this month. Clouds rendered the observation of results difficult, but the crews were certain that their bombing was in the target area. Many fighters attacked the Marauders and their escorting Spitfires had many dogfights. The Luftwaffe, which so often in recent months has allowed Allied aircraft to attack targets in Northern France without opposition, is showing a disposition to fight it out, at least over Beauvais. On returning from the raid, during which the escorting aircraft shot down nine enemy aircraft and damaged many more, a wing commander said. “The Hun was fighting like mad.” Shortly before the raid, R.A.F. Mitchells attacked marshalling yards near Rouen, where no air opposition was offered. The bombers had no difficulty in reaching their target, and, despite heavy flak, were able to drop their bombs in a few minutes. Bursts were seen concentrated in the yards, and some fell near a bridge and a locomotive repair shop. Hits were scored by Typhoons in a raid on the Abbeville Aerodrome. Five of our aircraft are missing. United States Marauders, escorted by Allied fighters, attacked the airfield at Conceds, 45 miles west of Paris, this afternoon.