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the forenoon of the 12th June a Heinkel 111 flew over Sussex and Kent, and was shot down by Spitfires off the North Foreland. During the week 555 fighter sorties were flown over England, but this combat was the only encounter with the enemy.

Western Front.

48. The bulk of the bomber effort of both sides has been in support of land operations, communications have been extensively attacked and aircraft have been used to give direct support in the battle area at great intensity.

49. As during the previous week, strong forces of fighters were maintained over Northern France from bases in England, both to provide escort for our day bombers and for offensive patrols. Since the 10th June they have helped to cover evacuation at St. Valery and Le Havre. Air fighting was, however, less intense than during any other period since the 10th May, largely on account of weather conditions. During the week, 852 sorties were flown, and enemy losses were 39 confirmed and 21 unconfirmed; 18 of our fighters are missing.

50. Bomber Command has continued its effort in support of the B.E.F. and of the left wing of the French army; pressure was also maintained on rail and other communications in the enemy's rear. Aircraft of the Command carried out 14 reconnaissances in addition to 337 day and 522 night bombing sorties in operations on the Western Front and against Germany: 23 of our aircraft were lost and 4 German fighters were shot down. Day bombing was carried out almost entirely in the area between the Somme and the Seine, and has been successfully directed against columns of tanks and motorised troops, against bridges and focal points of communication, and against petrol supply and ammunition dumps. Considerable resistance has been met from fighters and from ground fire. The greater part of the night-bombing effort was directed against important points on the whole length of the enemy's communications from the marshalling yards of the Rhineland to the Somme. Specially important points were communications round Amiens, the railhead at Hirson, the crossings of the Meuse, and the junctions and yards at Aaachen, Duren, Euskirchen and Rheydt. Fires and explosions followed many of the attacks, and extensive damage appears to have been done, in particular, by firing woods which concealed parked vehicles and supply dumps. Only two aircraft failed to return, but several others crashed or were damaged on landing in this country.

51. Some of the squadrons of the A.A.S.F. have again been compelled to move their aerodromes and, though communications have not been interrupted. the information available is not sufficient to make it possible to give complete statistics. The three fighter squadrons have been more heavily engaged than the fighters based on England, and have shot down at least eight enemy aircraft (confirmed) and six (unconfirmed); very large formations of enemy fighters have been met and our own losses have been fairly heavy. The Battle squadrons have also been heavily engaged over a wide area, by day and night, and have flown an average of 30-40 sorties a day. Enemy columns on the march have provided very exposed targets, and attacks have been made repeatedly on the crossings of the Somme and Seine. The Laon district has been raided more than once and a petrol dump was blown up near the town on the night of the 6th/7th June; communications near Trier have also been attacked and enemy aerodromes have been raided at Laon, Trier and Guise. On the 6th/7th June one of our aerodromes was bombed as a formation was about to take off, and four aircraft were damaged. No other attacks on our aerodromes appear to have been effective. and enemy fighter opposition has not been strong; on the 7th June a formation of twelve Battles shot down one Me. 109 (confirmed) and three other fighters (unconfirmed) without loss. Twelve of our own aircraft are missing. A

considerable number of reconnaissance sorties have also been flown.

Attacks on Germany.

52. In addition to the interruption of communications which has already been mentioned, attacks have been continued on industrial targets in Germany, On the night of the 6th/7th June eighteen Hampdens were despatched to attack

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