NAVY GUIDED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 93, 19 April 1940, Page 9

NAVY GUIDED.

TRACKING OF GRAF SPEE. ■ c MERCHANTMEN'S RADIO REPORTS. Speaking at the annual meeting of the Flying Angel Missions to Seamen last night, Captain W. E. Parry, commander of H.M.S. Achilles, referred to the part played by the merchant seamen of the Empire in the successful tracking down of Wie German raider -Graf Spee. Merchant ships attacked by the Graf Spee sent immediate reports by radio and thus provided the Navy's only hope of catching its quarry. The pocket: battleship on halting a ehip signalled and displayed words on a huge "blackboard that the wireless should r.ot be used. Out of nine ships sunk by the raider, however, report* were receivc<d from three, and three others made reports which were not received. The deliberate flouting of international law by the Germans in sinking merchant ships without warning was aimed at terrorising the seamen. The intention, however, .had failed dismally. Some argued that it made matters worse to fit guns on merchant ships, but Captain Parry said he knew British sailors preferred to have something with which to hit back. It was amazing what confidence a gun gave a ship. Britain's existence depended on her merchant service, and the Navy's job was to protect the merchantmen in war time. The merchantmen carried on under great difficulties to keep trade going and they deserved the thanks of all. In conclusion, Captain Parry said the merchant service also assisted the Navy in war time by providing many splendid men, as well as ships which were used as auxiliary men-of-war and troopships.