MORE THAN 2000 SHIPS USED

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23998, 13 July 1943, Page 5

MORE THAN 2000 SHIPS USED

GREAT CONVOYS HAVE NO LOSSES EISENHOWER PRAISES ALLIED NAVIES (N.Z.P.A.—8.0.W.) LONDON, July 11. It has been disclosed that more than 2000 ships were used in the landing operations on Sicily, without the loss of a single vessel. General Eisenhower has paid a tribute to the work of the Allied navies in the landings, says a correspondent with the Allied forces. General Eisenhower said; “In the Sicilian operation the United States and Royal Navies have again proved that even while engaged in operations covering the seven seas they can plan and successfully execute vast and intricate movements in support of land operations. They can do this despite the obstacles of distance, weather, and enemy opposition. Their comrades of the air and ground forces unite in grateful thanks for a job well done.” Speaking of the vast naval armada, the correspondent continues, “It was a stupendous task to take these great convoys through one of the narrowest channels to their destination so that each ship should arrive at its scheduled landing beach at the right minute. The weather made their task even more gruelling for the personnel of the landing craft. It "was an outstanding performance to get such a force ashore without any real mishap. An American naval force covered the landing ot American troops. On the beaches where the Americans landed there was a very heavy swell, but their assault troops were all put ashore to time. “It is now confirmed that no contact was made with enemy surface vessels. The only thing seen by our ships was a small group of Italian E-boats which promptly made off at high speed when they saw the Allied navies.” “Like a Spithead Review” “It was like a Spithead review,” is how a naval officer described the scene off the Sicilian coast yesterday. “Long lines of ships of all types and all sizes were lying off the beaches, thd only thing missing being the bunting. Landing craft were fussing backwards and forwards to the beaches, which were crowded with troops and naval beach parties supervising the unloading of equipment, guns, and tanks, which went on steadily throughout the day. After the enemy coastal batteries had been silenced and our troops had broken through the beach defences there was very little sign that we had landed in enemy territory. “During the early stages of the assault in the hours of darkness the weather made the landing of troops no easy task. A high wind caused a heavy swell, but the Allied navies carried out their job without any hitch. In an amphibious operation the Navy has complete charge until the troops have actually put their feet on land, and they overcame the many difficulties magnificently. .The huge battle fleet which covered the landing contained many Allied units, and it included a big American force taking part in its first amphibious operation in the European theatre. Many Batteries Silenced “Cruisers and destroyers silenced many coastal batteries which opened fire on our assault boats as they went in to the beaches. One of these batteries, whose code name was P for Peter, after being silenced by warships began to fire again, but only spasmodically. Its shells never fell within range of our ships, but apparently it annoyed the British admiral, who sent a signal: ‘lf P for Peter opens his mouth again give him the works.’ “Admiral of the Fleet Sir Andrew Cunningham was afloat on Saturday afternoon, visiting in turn the naval forces off the Sicilian coast and the naval forces working on the beaches. “By this time, the swell had died down and it was a lovely summer afternoon. As we passed through a long line of ships we saw a big transport unloading tanks into landing craft, and watched troops being taken ashore without any interference from the enemy. The only excitement was when a solitary enemy aircraft dropped a stick of bombs into the sea about two miles away. The little coast towns all looked deserted.” r ALLIED NAVIES’ TASKS MESSAGE ON EVE OF INVASION (8.0. W.) RUGBY, July 11. “We are about to embark on the most momentous enterprise of the war —striking for the first time at the enemy in his own land.” Thus Admiral of the Fleet Sir Andrew Cunningham, Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean, began the historic message which he sent on Friday to all the ships taking part in the Sicilian operation. “Success means the opening of the second front, with all that that implies, and the first move towards the rapid and decisive defeat of our enemies,” he added. “Our object is clear, and our primary duty is to place this vast expedition ashore in the minimum time and subsequently maintain our military' and air forces as they drive relentlessly forward into enemy territory. “In the light of this duty, great risks must and are to be accepted. The safety of our own ships and all distracting considerations are to be relegated to second place or disregarded as the accomplishment of our primary duty may require. On every commanding officer, officer, and rating, lies the personal duty of ensuring that no flinching in determination or failure of effort on his own part will hamper this great enterprise. I rest confident in the resolution, skill, and endurance of you all, to whom this momentous enterprise is entrusted.” STUBBORN DEFENCE PREDICTED SIR BERNARD FREYBERG’S COMMENT CANBERRA, July 12. Just as intensive bombing played a major role in the battle for Tunisia, so the bombing of Sicily would provide an important contribution towards the final result. This opinion was expressed to-day by Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg. who is on an unofficial visit to Australia. General Freyberg said he thought that in spite of the poor showing by the Italians up to the present, they would defend their own country strongly.