CONVOY TO RUSSIA

Grey River Argus, 22 May 1944, Page 5

CONVOY TO RUSSIA

U-Boats Bested DESTROYER LOST. LONDON, May 19. The largest convoy sent to Russia from Britain has arrived without loss following a six-davs’ battle With Üboats.' Two U-boats were sunk by destroyers and aircraft from a carrier. Others were badly damaged and probably sunk. ; The convoy of a large number of merchant ships, escorted by destroyers, cruisers and an aircraft-carrier,, carried more than 250,000 tons ofwar material, including tanks, air-I craft, guns, engines and food. The battles with the U-boats were fought, at temperatures of 11 degrees belowzero in blinding rain, snow, and sleet,; and high seas. Swordfish pilots returned to the carrier and had to be lifted from their cockpits. One Swordfish aircraft scored two direct hits on a submarine, which endeavoured to get away, but a destroyer finish-" ed her off. Another aircraft dropped bombs on another U-boat which sub-', merged, but was finished off by a destroyer. The British losses were one destroyer. The convoy, was under the command of Vice-Admiral I. G. Glennie, a former commander of H.M.S. Achilles. ;