SEA WARFARE

Hokitika Guardian, 4 December 1940, Page 6

SEA WARFARE

HEAVY LOSSES FOR THE PAST WEEK (British Official Wifeless.) (Received this day at 9.40 a.m.) RUGBY, December 3. Mercantile losses due to eneriiy action for the iveek eridirig November 24/25, were 22 ship's, totalling 87,975 toris, e’oinp rising 19 British, of 75,560 tons* and three Allied, of 12,415 tons. A Naval authority commented on the figures as serious, being 24,000 tons above the weekly average since the outbreak, but the increasing U-boat menace' is brie* with which the British Navy fully recognised it would have to wage a sterri tight.

ENEMY SHIPPING ATTACKED BY AIRCRAFT ’ (Received this day at 9.40 a.m.) RUGBY, December 3. Last night the Coastal Command aifcfa'ft attached shipping off the Norwegian coast. One ship sustained a direct lift. .V large explosion and fire followed the' born bin g of wharves at Afje Island. Yesterday, a direct hit was scored Ori the stern of an eriorny supply ship off the Norwegian coast. Aircraft of the Bomber Command last night attacked a submarine base at Lorient. None of our ’planes were lost.

MORE BRITISH SHIPS TORPEDOED NEW YORK, December 2. The Mackav Radio reports that messages were picked up showing aircraft and - submarine... attacks, on five more ships, riariiely," "“Jugoslav Cetvrti,” bombed 51.30 north, 11.52 west; s,s. “Victor Ross,” attacked by submarine 56.48 north, 18.30 west; “Kilgerran Castle,” bombed 25 miles south-west of Ririsale Head; “Lochranza,” with a ..shipwrecked crew of another (Vessel abO'a'rd, was torpedoed and is sinking 54.37 north, 13.54 west. Ono unknown ship' also sent ari S.O.S. message from the same vicinity. The Mrickay Radio reports that the Raiitish steamer ■’“Whenrick” has been torpedoed at a point 55.00 deg. north,arid 15.40 deg. west, H 1 PERU SUSPICIOUS LIMA, December 2. The Chamber of. Deputies passed a motion requesting the Foreign Office to deny sailing authorisation for four German strips that are docked at Callao for the duration of the war, on the ground's’ that they' might violate Pei u -s neutrality and the American security zone by replenishing pirate raiders on the American coast.

GERMAN SHIPS SAIL COQITIMBO (Chile), December 2. The German merchantman, “Portland” sailed last night for an unannounced destination. HAVANA, December 2. The “Ida Wald” and “Rhein”, apparently trying to reach a Cuban port, are reported to be desperately attempting to communicate with Mexican radio stations,, saying that warships are pursuing them. PACIFIC RAIDER SEARCH ■: MANILA, December 2. Travellers from Hong Kong, who are considered very reliable, said Me British Government had requisitioned the “Empress of Russia.” on Thursday, on the eve of sailing. She unloaded all her passengers. It is reported that the ship will be used as an auxiliary cruiser, hunting the German', raider in the South Pacific. Tlio “Empress of Russia” is very fast, hut unarmoured. However, United States naval experts are of the opinion that she could be heavily armed with four-inch guns by meansof facilities at Hong Kong, within two weeks.

ENpIY LOSSES OUF HOLLAND LONDON, December 1. During the last three days, British naval forces have sunk 26,000 tons of enemy shipping in Dutch waters. BRITISH SHIPBUILDING ORDERS. (Received this clav at 10.40 a.tn.) RUGBY, Dec. 3. ilr Cross informed the House of Commons that the first order for the construction of si\*ty cargo ships has been, given .to United States shipbuilders by the British Admiralty. He •>tided that old but set viecable vessels-, including those belonging t> the Maritime Commission lave lien*., and will continue to be purchased irom -he United States.