LOSS OF BRITISH BATTLESHIPS
* REPLY TO STATEMENT ON AIR SUPPORT (8.0. W.) RUGBY. Oct.. 7. Referring to a statement by Admiral T. C. Hart, former commander of the United States Asiatic Fleet, that Royal Air Force aeroplanes were only 30 minutes away from the Prince of Wales and the Repulse when they were sunk off Malaya, but failed to go to their help, informed quarters state that Admiral Sir Tom Phillips was told before he sailed that reconnaissance aeroplanes would be available, but that fighter support was doubtful because.of the capture of aerodromes by the Japanese. Two hours after the departure of the ships Admiral Phillips was advised by radio that fighters would not be available. He returned to a place which could be reached by fighters after he had been found by Japanese reconnaissance aircraft, but no call for fighter assistance was made until the action was in progress. Three or four fighters then available left within seven minutes and flew 150 miles to the scene of the action, but both ships had by then been sunk.
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Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23764, 9 October 1942, Page 4
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178LOSS OF BRITISH BATTLESHIPS Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23764, 9 October 1942, Page 4
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