CRITICAL MONTH

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21214, 10 September 1940, Page 5

CRITICAL MONTH

GERMAN NIGHT RAIDS INTERCEPTION PROBLEM DIFFICULTIES OF DEFENCE (United Press Asn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Reecived Sept. 10, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 9 The present month is regarded in informe :l quarters as probably the most critical period of the war. Having suffered considerable losses in the daylight air attacks the Nazis now appear to be concentrating on night bombings, especially on London, carrying out these operations with a much smaller number of aeroplanes and, of course, with a far higher degree of immunity. The attacks of the last two nights were probably assisted by the only successful day attack—that of Saturday afternoon—which the German Air Force has yet succeeded in obtaining, and then only at a very great loss. London, however, as well as other centres of highly-con-centrated population must face the certainty of a continuation of night bombing. It is pointed out that the problem of the interception of night bombers has not yet been solved, although British experts are hopeful of reaching a satisfactory answer before the Germans are able to do so. Meanwhile it is stressed that an efficient blackout is the best defence. Taking last night’s raids as an example authoritative circles explain the difficulties which are encountered by the defence, both interceptor and ground. As far as interceptors are concerned their task of finding an opponent flying in the darkness at 300 miles an hour is obviously very difficult. Use Up Fighters A high authority told the Australian Associated Press that the present “reprisal” attacks on London appear to be a diversion from the Germans’ main purpose, namely, an endeavour to cause Britain to use up her fighters, thereby paving the way for unlimited bombing attacks as a prelude to invasion. The German bombing, said the authority, appears to be limited by the fighter strength available for escort, for which reason, if the necessity to send heavy fighter escorts is reduced, Germany will be able to greatly increase the number of bombers. If this hypothesis is correct, it explains why, during Saturday’s attacks against London, when nearly 700 German aeroplanes are estimated to have visited Britain, activity outside the capital was comparatively slight. In this endeavour to subjugate the British fighter strength, the Germans counted on suffering considerable losses but did not expect to face such stubborn resistance, which wellinformed persons believe will be more stubborn as the month proceeds. Hopes of Hitler It is pointed out that September is likely to be a very critical month, in which Hitler, engaging in a race against the English weather, hopes to gain air superiority in a week or so. The air operations are rising to a crescendo but the top note has not yet been reached. Answering queries why formations of bombers on Saturday were able to j reach the central part of London, the authority emphasised that it is not possible for fighters to prevent a proportion of the attackers from penetrating the defences. German night bombing so far has been largely indiscriminate, although apparently the enemy is endeavouring to copy the British attacks against rail communications.