THE U-BOAT FLEET

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 22, 27 January 1943, Page 5

THE U-BOAT FLEET

American Estimate

(Rec. 11.50 a.m.) NEW YORK, January 26. Germany is estimated to have 500 U-boats, of which one-third may be at sea at any one time. In the first Great War she probably had not more than 150. Tho Germans are believed to be building 15 to 30 submarines a month, which is about twice the number that is being destroyed;. • -^ '- Based on Allied and' German statements, observers in- Washington believe that seven to nine million tons of Allied shipping was sunk in 1942. These figures do not include ships damaged, which are reported to form a high percentage and which mean much lost time while repairs are made. Mere replacement of ships is not enough. The loss of trained seamen and extremely valuable cargoes are vital factors. Some of the modern submarines are larger than corvettes, and mount big guns.

them to the goal which they had had in mind for so long. There was many a handshake at the gates of Azizia, still a few miles from the heart ef the city. Maoris in Bren carriers were strung along the roadway. Apparently unconcerned natives went about their strange ways, while Italians stood about mostly in groups, interested, but seemingly not alarmed. There was the sound of a distant explosion, bringing from a Maori the remark: "I hope they have not blown up the brewery." Tripoli is slightly scarred by bombing, but most of the fine buildings of the European quarter are intact. Many of the harbour installations have been destroyed, and there are sunken or half-sunken ships, but the waterfront is still beautiful.