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Aviation History
1942
1942 - 1955.PDF
SEPTEMBER 17TH, 1942 FLIGHT «n FORTRESSES CAN FIGHT Success of the 0.5in. Machine Guns in Latest Models : Twelve Enemy Fighters Shot Down ON Monday, September 7th, Flying Fortresses of the Eighth Air Force of the United States Army in Europe made their fourteenth raid on enemy targets. Rotterdam was the main objective, though the shipyard at Schiedam and the railway yards at Utrect were also visited. The Fortresses were escorted to Rotterdam by Spitfires from Fightei Command, consisting of R.A.F. and R.C.A.F. squadrons, while diversionary sweeps were made by squadrons of R.A.F., Dominion and Allied fighters. The Fortresses were of the latest model (which embody the results of R.A.F. experience with the earlier type) and each was armed with twelve half-inch and one 0.303 machine guns. While returning from Rotterdam enemy fighters attacked The sting in ,fhe Fo, can be seen»5ust aft the r one forma menca TTe was damaged. mbafs, and an engine a^Ofie was damaged. I"hr machine fell behMfoand enemy fighters, all 01 most ot them of the type Fw.190, attacked It. The T&re from this machine -sent several of the fighters down in flames, and inox_e were damaged and probably destroyed. AltogHhs&Jthe bombers shot down twelve enemy fighters fof ESfflL'ih', and all the Fortresses returned to their bases. In the damaged bomber one gunner was killed and three other members of the crew were wounded. One of the escorting fighters was lost, but details have not been published of the part played by the Spitfires in protecting the bombers. ppne Eighth Army Air Force of the United "ates has made a very fine start in its bombing work. The quality of the crews is very good, and they fight, as we all felt sure they would, with great determination and skill. The shoot ing by the crews and the tactics employed are ood. The Americans listened in a most iy way to all the R.A.F. could tell them, 'oncluded at foot o] next page.)
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