AUDACIOUS HEROISM OF OUR SUBMARINES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 87, 12 April 1940, Page 7

AUDACIOUS HEROISM OF OUR SUBMARINES.

VALUABLE WORK

Made The Naval Advance To

Kattegat Possible.

NEW SEA BATTLE RAGING.

(Received n.30 a.m.) LONDON, April 11. It. is learned in London that, the advance of the Navy to Kattegat was possible owing: to the audacious heroism of the submarines, which patrolled Skager-Rak and Kattegat for months.

They plotted tie German minefields and followed German ships through the minefields, recording the course, which they signalled to the Fleet. Submarines are believed to be responsible for the sinkings at Marstrand since no British warships wore seen. The naval actions around the Norwegian coast and in the Skuger-Rak, which were, fought all day yesterday and far into last night, were, resumed this morning, and heavy gunfire was heard on the Swedish coast. Observers on the Swedish coast estimate that four German cruisers have been sunk, as well as troopships. At least 11 troopships were caught, and some reports sav that as many as five were sunk. Two were escorted into a Swedish port by a British destroyer. Survivors from another ship were landed.

Reports that British warships had forced their way into -Oslo Fiord were followed by rumours of an ultimatum to the German occupying forces, but these are without foundation. No ultimatum was issued. The rumour probably arose through the people of Oslo, believing an attack imminent, making every effort to get out of the city.

An Admiralty statement confirms that the naval action is still in progress off the Norwegian coast. The fact that Ilritish ships are near at hand has led to great enthusiasm and relief in Oslo. According to the "Politikcn," save a Copenhagen Allied ships have penetrated the Kattegat. A ne\r naval engagement was raging aV dawn near the north-east coast of Jut Hind. The Rome radio says the British Navy is about to force a wedga between Denmark and Norway. A Stockholm message staies that Germany sent 3000 masons to Denmark and Norway to build "Gibraltar*, ,, commanding the Skager-Rak and Kattegat.