SCAPA FLOW PENETRATED

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 October 1939, Page 7

SCAPA FLOW PENETRATED

U-BOAT’S REMARKABLE EXPLOIT SINKING OF THE ROYAL OAK [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] (Recd. October 18, 11.10 a.m.) RUGBY, October 17. Mr. Churchill, in the Commons, said: “The Royal Oak was sunk at anchor by a U-boat, in Scapa Flow, about 1.30 a.m. on October 14. It is still a matter of conjecture how the U-boat penetrated the harbour’s defences. When we consider that, during the whole course of the last war, this anchorage was found to be immune fiom suci attacks, on account of the obstacles imposed by the currents and net barrages, this entry by a U-boat must ,be considered a remarkable exploit of professional skill and daring.’’

A Board of Inquiry is now sitting at Scapa Flow. Probably, the U-boat fired a salvo of torpedoes at the Royal Oak, of which only one hit the bow. Twenty minutes later, the U-boat fired three or four torpedoes, and these, striking in quick succession, caused the ship to capsize and sink. After informing the House, with deep regret, that upwards o£ 800 officers and men were lost, Mr. Churchill said that the Admiralty had immediately announced the loss of this fine ship. He added: “Serious as this loss is, it does not affect the margin of security in heavy vessels, which remains ample.” Mr Churchill said it appeared that the U-boat fired its two starboard torpedoes, one of which hit the Royal Oak’s bow. There was a muffled explosion, attributed to internal causes, and the ship’s store of inflammables was flooded. Twenty minutes later, the U-boat fired three or four toi - pedoes. These, striking in quick succession, caused the ship to capsize and sink. • “The Royal Oak was lying at the extreme end of the harbour,' Mi Churchill continued. “Therefore, many officers and men were drowned bet ore the rescue could be organised. About 800 lost their lives. “An intensive search o£ the anchorage has not yet yielded results, but it is clear that after a certain time, the harbour will be pronounced clear. AH the necessary measures are being taken to increase the protection, which proved so effectual in the last wai.

TOLL ON U-BOATS

Mr. Churchill disclosed that in the six weeks since the war began, it is estimated that 13 U-boats have been sunk, five seriously damaged and possibly sunk, and several damaged.. During the last week, seven U-boats were’ sunk. Nothing like this rate of destruction was attained in the last war, and these figures are probably an under-statement. It is believed that out of about 60 U-boats ready for action at the beginning of the war, one-third have already been sunk .or seriously damaged, and, of the largest and latest ocean-going type, at least one-fifth. “We actually hold survivors from three of the higher classs,” he said. Such skilled crews could not be easily replaced. , , > He added that the U-boats had sue- > ceeded, thus far, in sinking 156,000 tons of . Britain’s 21,000,000 tons- oti

mercantile shipping. To the losses couid be added 18,000 tons as a result of mines or accidents. Britain had captured 29,000 tons of shipping from the enemy, and had benefited by commissioning new ships totalling 104,000. ne added: "it will be seen that, while our mercantile marine remains practically unaffected by U-boat warfare, the losses inflicted on the enemy, if continued, can certainly not be endured.” BRITISH CANDOUR PRAISED RUGBY, October 17. The French Press has been commenting, with approval, on the promptness and candour o£ British announcements, whether the news is good or bad from the British point of view. Thus, the British Admiralty at once told the world of the loss of the aircraft-carrier Courageous, and of the battleship Royal Oak. In connection with these losses, it is being pointed out in naval circles here, that the loss of one out of Britain’s six aircraft-carriers means, in terms of tonnage, a total reduced from 122,900 to 100,400, while five other aircraft-carriers are in various stages of construction. In capital ships, Britain has lost one old vessel out of her total of 15, or 29,150 tons out of 474,700, while seven new capital ships are in construction.

U-BOAT COMMANDER’S STORY. (Received October 18, .1.20 p.m.) BERLIN. October 17. The commander of the submarine which sank the Royal Oak flew to see Herr Hitler, after the arrival of the submarine at its base. The radio announces that he has been promoted to be rear-admiral. Broadcasting, the commander said: After delicate manoeuvring into iScapa Flow, I saw two battleships, of which one was the Royal Oak. I launched torpedoes, saw great columns of water, and then flames. I launched more torpedoes at the second ship, and saw more columns of water. Depth charges exploded around us, but we got out safely. IRON CROSSES CONFERRED BERLIN, October 17. i The commander and crew of the submarine which torpedoed the Royal Oak have received Iron Crosses.