ATTACK ON “INVASION PORTS”

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21226, 24 September 1940, Page 4

ATTACK ON “INVASION PORTS”

Something of the drama that is being played in the English Channel has been revealed by an American who has reached New York from France. Incidentally, his statement may explain a recent rumour that the Germans had attempted an invasion of England and had failed. He reports that Germans on the French, Dutch and Belgian coasts have been practising invasion tactics and have suffered heavy losses in the process. Barges loaded with men have been sent out to sea for two miles and returned to practise landings. Aware of the manoeuvres, British aeroplanes and submarines have taken heavy toll of the enemy. If invasion practice is valuable to the enemy it is equally so to the British, who have been given an insight into the tactics that are likely to be employed and the opportunity to formulate countermeasures. German thoroughness probably prompted the exercises, but if in the meanwhile the secrets of the invasion plan are being revealed, that thoroughness will be welcomed by Britain. It was perhaps these excursions to sea and the subsequent washing up of hundreds of German bodies that led to the story that the Nazis had made an abortive attempt to invade England. It is extremely unlikely that an attempt would be made excepting on a grand scale, for there is reason to believe that the Germans regard the intended assault as the greatest feat of arms ever contemplated. Information gathered by the Royal Air Force, which maintains a constant patrol of the enemy coasts, has decided Britain to attack the “ invasion ports ” with ever-growing intensity. Probably no other spot on earth has ever been subjected to such violent aerial attacks. Nightly watchers on the shores of England are treated to the awe-inspiring spectacle of blazing fires, bursting bombs and shells and concussions that shake the ground across the Channel. Some day it will be known to what extent that gallant air force has impaired the Nazis’ ability to set out on the great adventure. Unquestionably it has already delayed if not completely wrecked the whole scheme of invasion. Goering’s air force was to win the war for Germany; there will be reason for pride and rejoicing in Britain if, despite the initial handicap, the enemy is beaten on his own choice of weapons.