NAVY'S RECORD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20678, 31 January 1942, Page 6

NAVY'S RECORD

TOLL OF THE AXIS PROBLEMS FOR HITLER LIBYA AND ATLANTIC (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1.30 p.m. RUGBY, Jan. 30. The navy continues to take heavy toll of the Axis supply ships endeavouring to feed General Rommel’s forces in North Africa.

During two or three of the most difficult months recently the toll claimed has been nearly 50 .per cent. It is emphasised, however, in naval circles in London that the possibility must be kept in view of General Rommel continuing to receive strong reinforcements. Not only can these start from many ports and unload at many ports, but the Axis definitely is making use, of Tunisian coastal waters. But the losses inflicted show that the navy has nothing to be ashamed of in the record of achievements and Herr Hitler must have many headaches when he considers the convoy problem.

Regarding the Allied action against the Japanese convoy in the Macassar Straits' exact figures are not available, since details of the engagements .emanate from more than one. source, but there is no doubt that the Japanese have lost a very substantial tonnage. The Battle of the Atlantic is described as "going well,” although numerous losses are reported. The value of a convoy escort is demonstrated by these attacks in areas where very bad weather has been general and the convoys are necessarily scattered. There seems to be no doubt that German middleweight submarines can well make the return voyage to the western Atlantic and there are indications that the Germans are concentrating a great amount of energy on the production of submarines. A tribute is paid to the work of the R.N.R. and the R.N.V.R., both in filling casualty places and in manning regular crews. It is considered remarkable how good these reserve crews are, taking into account the variety of walks of life from which they are drawn and also the shortness of their sea training. The fact stands out once again that the sea is in Britain's blood.