RAID ON LOFOTEN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 124, 7 March 1941, Page 5

RAID ON LOFOTEN.

FISHING INDUSTRY CENTRE.

THREEFOLD OBJECT ATTAINED.

(Rec. 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, Mar. 6. A joint Admiralty and Nbnvegian naval communique says: “It is now possible to give further details of tho raid carried out against German interests in the Lofoten Islands on Tuesday. These details show that the raid was completely successful. It was planned with a threefold object, Firstly, it was desired to destroy the plant used for the production of fish. nil. This is the season in tlio Lofoten area in which the production of fish oil takes place and the whole of the fishery products, like all other Norwegian production, are required by Germany. Secondly, the object was to destroy any German ships or ships under German control found in the locality. Thirdly, it was desired to make prisoners of the Germans concerned in the control of the fishing industries and such local Quislings as were aiding and abetting the enemy. “The raid developed early on Tuesday morning. Gorman shipping and shipping under German control were dealt with by our light forces. Meanwhile Norwegian marines aiid . British troops landed. All the objects of the raid wore carried out with conspicuous success.

“Nine German merchant vessels and one German-controlled Norwegian merchant ship was sunk, ns also was a German armed trawler. The losses inflicted on enemy shipping totalled approximately 18,000 tons. The largest unit sunk was a ship of about 10,000 tons, which was fully laden. “Having achieved all their objects the Allied forces withdrew, bringing with them 215 German prisoners and 10 Quislings. “Oiu* forces also brought back to England a considerable number of Norwegian patriots who were anxious to ‘join their countrymen in fighting for tho cause of freedom. Opportunity was taken to supply, for the benefit of tho local population, consignments of foodstuffs, soap, cigarettes, clothing, and other comforts of which the Norwegian population has been robbed since the Gorman occupation. The removal oi Germans and Quislings made it possible to supply these stores to the Norwegian population without danger of their being diverted to enemy use. “The raid was carried out with-little opposition, but one German naval officer and six ratings were killed. No damage or casualties were sustained by our forces. It is worthy of note that the Gorman statements issued about the raid stressed the complete surprise which was achieved by the Allied forces in this successful operation.”—British Official Wireless.