WARFARE AT SEA

Hokitika Guardian, 7 December 1940, Page 5

WARFARE AT SEA

GERMAN RAIDER

BRITISH SHIP’S REVELATION.

(Per British Official Wireless). NEW YORK, December 5. The log of a British freighter, the “Haxby,” which was sunk by a raider in April, reveals that the crew of the “Ha\hj r ” wore taken prisoner, and were put aboard a captured Norwegian steamer, the “Tropic Star,” which was seized near Norfolk Island, and was afterwards scuttled to the north-west of Spain. The log shows the “Haxby” left Greenock on April Bth. for Texas, and seven days alter leaving her convoy, a steamer flying the Greek colours crossed her how, and then hoisted the Nazi ensign. She fired on the “Haxby” from four concealed six-inch guns. The survivors were taken prisoner, and the raider, on May 2nd., laid mines off West Africa. Oil May 7th., the raider refuelled from a 5000-ton German tanker, the “Winnetou.” On June 18th., the raider intercepted the “Tropic Sea.” Again she refuelled from the “Winnetou.” She placed British sailors and a prize crew aboard the “Tropic Sea,” which attempted to reach Bordeaux, but was intercepted by a submarine.

HALTED BY NAVY WASHINGTON, December 5. The Secretary of State, Senator Hull, said that the United States is investigating reports that a British warship halted the Argentine ship, “Rape.” and took off German passengers. RIO DE JANEIRO, December, 5. Diplomatic quarters have reported that there is a movement in several of the South American countries to close the American ports to British ships as a reprisal for the “Rape” affair.

ANOTHER HOLD-UP

RIO DE JANEIRO, December 5

A British warship is reported to have halted another Brazilian steamer, the “Parah.”

TALCAHUANO (Chile), Dec. 5

A German merchantman, the “Portland,” has arrived here.

STORM SWEPT

NEW YORK, December 5

There are five vessels in distress on the Atlantic, which is being swept by gales. Three of them are British, and two are Greek.

GERMAN REPORT

BATTLE IN SOUTH ATLANTIC

BERLIN, December 6.

The German High Command announces that a sea .battle lias taken place in tho South Atlantic Ocean, between British and German auxiliary cruisers.

.LOSS OF MINESWEEPERS

RUGBY 7 , December 5.

In announcing the, loss of four trawlers and on© drifter, an Admiralty communique adds: “The communiques issued by the German High Command lay continued stress upon the mining of British ports. These ports and their approaches are kept clear of mines from day to day by the tenacity, courage. and devotion to duty of our minesweeping forces. The enemy is using all manner of devices to prevent and hinder the sweeping of these mines. Although the success of these devices was limited and is likely to decrease, is has imposed losses oil our minesweeping forces.