LEFT IN FLAMES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 82, 6 April 1944, Page 5

LEFT IN FLAMES

BATTLESHIP TIRPITZ

NAVAL PLANES' ATTACK

Rec. 11.45 a.m. RUGBY, April,s. Further reports of the successful bombing attack by British naval aircraft against the German battleship Tirpitz in Alten Fiord, northern Norway are now given by the Admiralty. Towards dawn last Monday British aircraft-carriers, supported by other units of the Home Fleet under ViceAdmiral Sir Henry Moore, second m command of the Home Fleet, approached the vicinity of Alten Fiord. Two forces of Barracuda aircraft were flown from the carriers to the attack, with escort and cover provided by Seaftres, Corsairs, Hellcats, and Wildcat fighters. The first strike caught the Tirpitz apparently as she was about to move from her anchorage. Hits were obtained near the bridge, amidships, and forward of the bridge with heavy and medium bombs. An endeavour was made to screen the Tirpitz by smoke, but nevertheless further hits were obtained during the second attack in the vicinity of the after turret, amidships, and on the forecastle, large explosions being observed by the mainmast and on the forecastle. Anti-aircraft fire from the Tirpitz and from shore batteries was encountered during the attack, but by the time the last aircraft attacked the battleship had been silenced. When last seen the Tirpitz was on fire amidships. During the operation no enemy fighters were sighted. Of all the aircraft which took part in this successful operation, three Barracudas and one fighter were lost. One fighter pilot is safe. No other casualties were incurred. —8.0.W-

The Tirpitz is a battleship of about 41,000 tons. She was built at Wilhelmshaven and completed about three years ago. The Barracuda aircraft which attacked her are replacing Swordfish biplanes in the Fleet Air Arm. They are designed for high-level attack and for dive-bombing, as well as for tor-pedo-bombing. This is the first time they have been reported in action.