FORTY ATTACKS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20993, 21 December 1939, Page 7

FORTY ATTACKS

GREAT AIR BATTLE HEAVY NAZI LOSSES A THRILLING EXPLOIT

(United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright/ LONDON, Dec. 20 Further details of the Heligoland air battle on Monday reveal that the Germans made 40 attacks on the formation of British bombers, one of which shot down five Messerschmitts. It is now believed that the German losses exceeded 12 machines, at least six of which were a new type, the M.E. 110, called “destroyer” aeroplanes. These new machines are extremely fast and are armed with cannon, as well as machine-guns. The leader of the British formation, referring to the German fighters, said: “ I could see them collecting like flies, waiting to attack us.” Between Heligoland and Wilhelmshaven 25 Messerschmitt fighters were seen. Even when the battle had begun the British crews continued on their course over German waters, determined to press on and bring back all the information they could obtain. They also met heavy antiaircraft fire from ships and from the shore. Some enemy fighters hung on as the British bombers were returning. One British aircraft, while heading for home, became isolated from the others. It seemed to be an easy prey, and Messersschmitts attacked it in force. Enemy on His Tail The British pilot, in an effort to avoid them, dived to sea level and skimmed the surface of the sea with the enemy on his tail. Two Messerschmitts, venturing too close, were immediately shot down by the rear gunner. Another Messerschmitt joined in the attack, its fire wounding the rear gunner and damaging the centre gun and wireless set. The second pilot took the rear gunner’s ’ place, but found the ammunition was spent. A moment later the front gunner was wounded. The reserve pilot thereupon scrambled from the rear turret to the front gun. There he found plenty of ammunition, and made full use of it. The British machine finally shook off its pursuers and reached home. From the moment it had dived to escape until it actually got away its gunners had accounted for five enemy fighters. Forced Down in Sea Another British bomber, when within 80 miles of the English coast on its way home, was forced down in the sea. Its plight was observed by the pilot of a machine following, which flew over it with the intention of dropping a rubber boat in case the crew of the other bpmber had not been able to make theirs ready. The crew, however, had been able to launch their own boat and after some considerable time the airmen were picked up by a passing trawler.

Another machine, the rudder of which was damaged in action, made a safe forced landing a few miles from home.

No fewer than 17 German machines have been brought down over the Bight since Thursday.

It is stated that the German claim that the British lost 36 machines is ridiculous. The total British bombers involved was far less than that.

The Berlin news agency publishes an unnamed eye-witness’ story of the battle, saying it lasted two hours.

First - Lieutenant Schumacher, leader of the Messerschmitts squadron, in an interview with the Zwoelf Uhrblatt, says the British lost 40 machines and the battle occurred at a height of between 9000 and 10,500 feet. Schumacher says he brought down a British aeroplane, after which he made a forced landing owing to bullet damage. Iron Cross Awarded The Zwoelf Uhrblatt says FieldMarshal Goering congratulated Schumacher and awarded him the Iron Cross, first class. The news agency adds that in addition to 34 Britisji aeroplanes brought down at Wilhelmshaven on Monday anti-aircraft fire accounted for a Vickers Wellington and another was forced down at sea while on the way home. A semi-official statement issued in Berlin says that in a second British raid on the Frisian Islands on Monday evening bombs were dropped at random. No damage was done and the aeroplanes were driven off by gunfire.

NAZIS PLOTTING

RAIDS IN SOUTH-WEST AFRICA GENERAL SMUTS’ DISCLOSURES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 21, 12.30 a.m.) CAPETOWN, Dec. 20 The police raided German organisations in South-West Africa, they visited the homes of officials and seized documents and obtained evidence which it is understood reveal a connection with the German Government. Coincidentally General Smuts, the Prime Minister, in a speech said if the Government had not assumed control of the police in South-West Africa in April war might have broken out here instead of Poland. The Government had received a grave warning from an unimpeachable source, whereupon it forestalled serious developments among the South-West Africans who were regimented and ready for anything. Germany had followed the same technique there as in Austria and Czechoslovakia.

The press declares that General Smuts' policy becomes more popular daily.