BATTLE FOR ENGLAND

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21194, 17 August 1940, Page 6

BATTLE FOR ENGLAND

Daily the battle for England grows more intense. The technique of the blitzkrieg is being disclosed, and soon England may know the extent of Hitler’s power. Beginning modestly with a few scattered raids, the onslaught by air has steadily been increased in intensity. When this crescendo reaches its peak Hitler’s surprises, whatever they may be, can be expected. And at the present rate of increase in the tempo of the attack the peak is not likely to be delayed long. With a thousand planes in the air in one attack the Nazis must be using a substantial proportion of their machines and trained personnel. Their Josses are heavy and are becoming heavier every day, so that it can be expected an attempt will soon be made to strike the final blow. England, while fighting magnificently to smash the invading swarms of planes, is keeping a vigilant watch for parachute troops and the small sea craft which may attempt a massed invasion. At any time favourable conditions may cause the main attack to be unleashed. It is still possible that Hitler is relying upon his powerful air force to beat Britain to its knees, but the defenders cannot and will not risk any possible method of attack. The stubbornness of the resistance has no doubt already surprised Hitler. Other people might have quailed before a less terrible onslaught and surrendered to the man who has never yet been thwarted since he set out to conquer all Europe. Britain’s heavy toll of enemy machines and trained men, and the damaging attacks being made on Germany and Italy by the Royal Air Force, are forcing Hitler’s hand. He must go in now, and risk a great disaster or stand by and receive far more damage than he can inflict. And winter is coming. Hitler has reached the most dangerous point of his aggression. The disastrous reverse that he must suffer at the hands of Britain if he launches a full-scale attack might well mean the beginning of the end of his bloodthirsty career. In victory he is the hero of his followers; in defeat he will cut a less heroic figure. The first rout of the bully might quickly develop into a cataclysm for him, for as soon as he is on the run all the pent up agony of his victims will find an outlet. Germany, and Britain, are facing the supreme moment in their long histories.