U-BOAT MENACE

Grey River Argus, 20 May 1943, Page 1

U-BOAT MENACE

Use of Escort Carriers ATLANTIC GAP BEING REDUCED. (Rec. 9.15.) RUGBY, May 18. It has been revealed that the Üboal menace in the Atlantic gap—the vital stretch of water which cannot be covered by shore-based aircraft—is being reduced by escort carriers of the Royal Navy. These pocket seadromes, all converted merchantmen, sail with convoys and with their Swordfish ’planes to maintain essential air patrols and thwart manv U-boats. They also fly off Seafire aircraft to guard merchantmen from attacks bv bombers.—•• 8.0.W.

MASS-PRODUCED U.S. ESCORT CARRIERS. (Roe. 8 p.m.) LONDON, May 19. It is announced that an AmericanInuit escort aircraft-carrier has now joined in the battle of the Atlantic. 'The first obSgation of these half-size carriers is to get convoys through and rnunter-nttack U-boats. The Allies thus hope 10 close the relatively small pap in the mid-Atlantic where Üboats were hitherto safe from air attack'.

Tim new carrier, “H.M.S. Battler,” carries Seafires and Swordfish in its service. Its nickname is “Woolworth carrier,” because it is mass-produced with steel and chromium fittings, also because of its self-service cafetaria. The “Battler’' and its sister ships should be most valuable during invasion operations.