GREAT AIR BATTLE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20956, 8 November 1939, Page 7

GREAT AIR BATTLE

ROUT OF ENEMY RAIDERS GERMAN PLANES DESTROYED FLIGHT OF REMAINDER lUnited Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Nov. 7 When nine out of 27 German aircraft were shot down by nine French fighters in a fierce battle over the Western Front, seven of the German machines fell within Allied territory. It was the greatest air battle so far in the war, says the Daily Mail, and it ended with the rout of the German attackers, who were outclassed and outmanoeuvred in the most violent air fighting yet seen. German aeroplanes one after another crashed to earth until the 18 remaining raiders wheeled and fled for home. Every French flier “got his man.”

The Daily Herald says the French fighter aeroplanes were four or five years old and considerably less efficient than the American types which are now available in quantity. A French semi-official commentary states: “It is a sensational and most significant victory. The German Messerschmitts may perhaps be speedier in straight flying, but the French machines have the upperhand in aerobatics, a vital factor in fighters.” The British Air Ministry announces that British aircraft successful reconnoitred West Germany and secured valuable photographs. One aeroplane has not returned.