NAVAL MOVE

Evening Star, Issue 25168, 6 May 1944, Page 5

NAVAL MOVE

BRITISH SUBS. MUSTERING IN FAR EAST PREPARING FOR SMASHING BLOWS (llec. 11 a.m.) LONDON, MaW 5. British submarines are now mustering in Far Eastern waters for a smashing blow against the vulnerable sea communications of the Japanese armies, states the ' Evening Standard's' naval correspondent. " To-day in a British port more submarines are being refitted for the 7,000 miles voyage to Admiral . Somerville's growing under-water fleet. Noted submarine commanders who until the past few months were the terror of Axis shipping in the Mediterranean have already joined the fleet. They have already accounted for both Japanese warships and merchantmen. They will form the spearhead of the Navy's attack across the Indian Ocean. The great expanses of water in which they will operate are better suited for submarine warfare than the Mediterranean, where their patrols were always made under the eyes of enemy shore-based aircraft. The submarine men going east will be met in the Bay of Bengal by other submarines. " An important feature of the refitting of submarines for Eastern waters is the introduction of airconditioning plant. Experts are also producing a special diet for men serving in submarines in hot climates."