DEFINITELY WINNING.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 149, 24 June 1918, Page 5

DEFINITELY WINNING.

ANTI-SUBMARINE METHODS.

CREWS' WEAKENING MORAL. J 'ETERNALLY DODGING THE HUNTERS. (Received 10..">0 a.m.) ' LOXDCOn, dune _'J. A striking accumulation of evidence shows that in grim, prolonged submarine warfare the Allies' tenacity and multiform methods of destruction are definitely winning. Official information from neutral sources in Scandinavia states that every week recently Üboats failed to return to their bases. A large number was lost in one month, and six others staggered homewards badly damaged. The dockyards are no longer able to fully accommodate the submarines, ami the authorities have been obliged to establish emergency repair depots, which employed a large amount of civilian labour, also war ' prisoners skilled in engineering. The German authorities have become anxious concerning the physical and mental overstrain of returned crews as a result of long submersions, sleeplessness, and the interminable dodging of aircraft and destroyers, motor boats, and trawlers. Commander Rose, a well-known U-boat commander, speaking recently, confessed the shattering moral effect of depth bombs, particularly on. inexperienced crews, owing to the hellish din of their explosion. This is the first admission that inexperienced crews arc used in submarines,and adds significance to another German commander's later statement that a large proportion of losses is due to the crews not being fully trained, some being sent out within six weeks of enlistment. , -*. Every precaution is taken to prevent l"-boat crews talking of their experiences, but stories of the. effects of bombings continually leak out. * The men admit that the losses of C-boats and* submersible minelayers is very great, and increasing British convoying has so improved that shelling is only undertaken with extreme care, and the submarines now confine their operations mainly to torpedo attacks. German patrols are sharing in losses resulting from the increased Allied defence. The dangers of the I'-boat service are causing numerous desertions. (Times.