MEDITERRANEAN ACTION

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 June 1942, Page 5

MEDITERRANEAN ACTION

BRITISH LOSSES HEAVY PROTECTION OF CONVOYS LONDON, June 23. British losses in the Mediterranean convoy battle were announced in the House of Commons by Mr. Attlee. The Royal Navy lost one light cruiser, four destroyers, and two escort vessels. The Axis naval forces lost one 8inch gun cruiser, two destroyers, and one submarine. One battleship was hit by a torpedo. Axis aircraft lost totalled at least 65. The Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm lost 30 aircraft. ENCOUNTERS - DESCRIBED. "RUGBY, June 23. Mr Attlee, detailing the naval operation for the reinforcement of Malta, said that the western convoy, under Vice-Admiral Curtis, was sighted and shadowed by enemy aircraft before reaching the Sardinia Channel. In spite of violent air attack, and attack by two enemy cruisers and four destroyers, which were driven off, this convoy reached Malta, although with serious losses in the early hours of June 16. During this passage, 43 enemy planes were destroyed for certain, and 22 probably, whilst many others were damaged. Our aircraft also attacked enemy cruisers and destroyers, claiming several hits. A large enemy destroyer was sunk by torpedo hits after suffering violent explosions amidships. After the supply ships had been passed into TobruK, an eastern convoy, under Rear-Admiral Vian, was steering towards Malta on June 14 when our reconnaissance reported two battleships of the Littorio class, four cruisers, and at least eight destroyers, evidently attempting to bar the oassage of the convoy. Avoiding action was accordingly taken.

Meanwhile, air striking forces were sent from the Western "Desert and Malta to attack the enemy fleet. During these attacks, which developed on the morning of June 15, one of our submarines witnessed a direct hit by one of our planes on a 10,000ton Trento class cruiser, which was set on fire and stopped. The submarine closed in and sank this cruiser with a torpedo. It is certain that one enemy battleship was also hit by a torpedo. During this day, the enemy’s main fleet crossed between the eastern convoy and Malta, but by nightfall the arrival of the western convoy was assured.

Delay during the air attack on the enemy battle fleet resulted in an expenditure of fuel by the eastern con-, voy, which necessitated the return of this convoy to Alexandria. Full reports of the loss inflicted on the enemy air force during its attacks on this convoy have not yet been received, but it is known that at least fifteen aircraft were shot down by gunfire. Lord Gort has expressed appreciation, on behalf of Malta, to the gallant men of all services, who made possible the replenishment of the island’s supplies. He especially mentioned the merchant navy. The Government also expresses grateful thanks for the help rendered by the American bombers, who successfully took part in the action.

SINKINGS BY U-BOATS. (Rec. 2 p.m.) NEW YORK. June 23. The struggle between the great German submarine fleet and the United States Navy and merchant marine appears to be growing in intensity, simultaneously as word reached Washington that the Allied shipping situation is more desperate than has been admitted, says the ‘Christian Science Monitor’s” Washington correspondent. He adds that although new antisubmarine measures are being put into effect, Washington concedes that there is little prospect of an immediate end of the disastrous number of sinkings which are now cutting heavily into the United Nations’ tonnage. According to some of the best information available, the situation is particularly acute for two reasons. , Firstly, the Navy has had little real success in sinking enemy submarines. Secondly, all the sinkings are not being announced. The losses in the Atlantic maintained rather a steady upward movement, each new protective measure apparently being nullified by more violent and efficient German efforts. The German radio, however, admits that the United States has strongly increased anti-submarine defences. U.S.A. CONSTRUCTION. NEW YORK, June 22. American shipyards placed 58 new ships, totalling 652,000 tons, in service last month, said LieutenantCommander C. R. Price, at a launching cererpony. Ship construction was now surpassing the most optimistic dreams. The Canadian Air Minister (Mr. Power) said that 20 new ships from Canadian shipyards were now in service, and 10 others were on the water being fitted out. Another 33 ships were on the stocks. MORE SHIPS NEEDED. LONDON, June 23. The Under-Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Noel Baker) said that no doubt Mr. Churchill and Mr. Roosevelt were discussing shipping increases. Without ships, he said, it was impossible for the United Nations to send their armed forces to smash the Axis Powers. Ships were also required, he said, for the carriage of goods and munitions. Without ships these would continue to pile up on the shore. ARGENTINE~SHIP LOST. BUENOS AIRES, June 22. The 4800-tqn Argentine vessel Rio Tercero was sunk 120 miles off New York harbour, but it is not known whether the ship was torpedoed or struck a mine. It is believed that all the crew were rescued. SEAMEN’S WELFARE. RUGBY, June 23. The Joint Maritime Commission of the International Labour Office, composed of representatives of shipowners and seamen from all parts of the world, will meet in London on June 29. Representatives have signified their intention of attending from countries as distant as Australia, China, and Sweden. This is the first meeting of the commission to be held since the war began. The meeting will discuss the progress of international regulations for the protection of seamen since the last meeting, and war-time conditions as they affect the mercantile marine, such as welfare in ports, life-saving measures, and continuous employment.