SEA WARFARE

Grey River Argus, 5 August 1940, Page 3

SEA WARFARE

ATLANTIC BATTLE Auxiliary Cruisers FURTHER DETAILS. [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, August 1. The British auxiliary cruiser Alcantara, which damaged an enemy raider in an engagement in the south Atlantic Ocean, arrived in Rio de Janeiro to-day, and went into dock for repairs. She showed three hits, one on the funnel, one on the waterline, and one amidships. The seven wounded men were taken to hospital.

The Admiralty has issued a further report regarding the battle, which took place 700 miles east of the Brazilian coast. The British cruiser hit the raider at a range of five and a half miles, and had it not been for a lucky shot by the rader its career would probably have been ended.

From further details available in London, it appears that the Alcantara’s action against the German raider began at about sixteen thousand yards, which the Alcantara closed to nine thousand, scoring hits meanwhile.

The German raider, having scored a lucky hit on the Alcantara’s waterline, which penetrated into the engine-room, dropped smoke floats, end turned away. Though no great damage was done to the Alcantara her speed was reduced to ten knots, enabling the enemy to escape. The German raider appeared to be a vessel of between 8000 to 9000 tons, with dark coloured hull, one straight funnel, two straight masts carrying topmasts. She carried a broadside of four guns, which seemed to be 5.9’5. GERMAN ACCOUNT. BERLIN, August 2. A communique states: An engagement occurred in the South Atlantic between a German auxiliary cruiser and the British auxiliary cruiser Alcantara, which received serious hits, particularly in the engine-room, with the result that the battle was broken off. The Alcantara sought refuge in I Rio de Janeiro. The German cruiser continued on its way and carried out its prescribed tasks. U-BOAT'S RECORD. (Received August 4, 7 p.m.) LONDON, August 3. A German report states: A U-boat , of long distance range sank seven armed merchantmen of a tonnage or about 56,118 including three oil tankers, which were being conveyed. LOST ON SUBMARINE. LONDON, August 2. The Admiralty announced that Commander E. O Bickford, four other officers, and 36 ratings are missing, as the result of the sinking of the Salmon on July 21. A Berlin communique stated: A U-boat sank an enemy submarine. This U-boat,; on two expeditions, has sunk 12 armoured merchantmen, totalling 74,338 tons, the destroyer Whirlwind, and a submarine. ' Brave Polish Captain SAVES HIS SHIP. I British Official Wireless] RUGBY August 2. Another Polish merchant ship has been preserved for further service in the Allied cause, through the determination and skill of its officers and crew. The 1864-ton Polish steamer Kroman was lying at Dakar and had been immobilised by the removal of a vital part of machinery. One day last week, the captain discovered that a number of Germans who had arrived at Dakar by air, were planning to seize the ship. He determined to attempt to break out of the harbour, to .prevent the ship falling into enemy hands. By improvisation and engineering skill, the Kroman’s engines were' made to work, and the ship escape;* through the harbour defence.s On I reaching the open sea, a course was set for a British port. All this was accomplished although there were no charts on board. The Kroman is now safe in a British port. The captain has been personally congratulated by the naval authorities on the courage , engineering skill, and fine seamanship displayed by him and the crew-