AIR DEFENCES

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20954, 6 November 1939, Page 7

AIR DEFENCES

DOMINION MINISTERS’ VISIT (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) i LONDON, Nov. 4 Details of Britain’s air defences were shown to-day to the Ministerial representatives from the Dominions

During the quick advance in Poland of the German Army the communication service had hard work in establishing telephone connection with the army. The picture shows some soldiers working at a telephone post.

and India attending the discussions in London. They visited the headquarters of the Royal Air Force fighter command and were shown over the closely-guarded operations room, whence go out signals controlling the operations of fighting aircraft. At the headquarters of the Royal Air Force coastal command the visitors were shown actual messages reporting the progress of an attack 01. an enemy submarine by patrolling aircraft. Signals flashed by the pilot from far out over northern waters were in the combat language of the Royal Air Force. They came in quick succession as follows: “From pilot of aircraft No. —, 19.48 hours. Am over enemy submarine in position —. Submarine is diving. Have attacked. Estimate one hit.” Then followed a detailed report: “I first sighted a submarine on the surface two miles on the starboard bow. The submarine began to dive. I attacked down the wind and the first salvo of bombs fell 50 yards ahead. I turned. The second salvo fell five yards short from the conning tower, which was still visible. The bomb splash and the conning tower appeared to be on the same spot. The sea was very rough and the wind 50 miles an hour. All traces of the submarine were then lost. End message. jPilot aircraft No. —.” The visitors were also handed the reported discovery of a submarine by aircraft in the Atlantic. A few minutes later it was announced that the aircraft had called up a destroyer, which immediately had changed its course to deal with the U-boat.

by special arrangements Reuter's Wonu service. In addition to other special sources or information. 1$ used In the compilation of the overseas intelligence published In this Issue, and all rights therein in Australia and New Zealand are reserved. Such of the cable news In this Issue as is so headed bas appeared In the Times and is *o sent to this paper by special permission. It should be understood that the opinion is not that or the Times unless u >« evnessly stated to be sc *