HUNT CONTINUES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 257, 27 September 1940, Page 7

HUNT CONTINUES

ENEMY SHIPS HIT. SUBMARINE SUCCESSES. (United Press Association —Copyright.) (British: Official Wireless.) (Itec. 11) a.m.) IiUGBY, Sept. 26. British submarines, states an Admiralty communique, continue to search. out and take toll of enemy shipping. Fu]! information of their successes cannot be given without endangering their security, but it can now be stated that the British submarine H 29 lately attacked a convoy of eight supply vessels with torpedoes, two of -whibh found their mark. ■ The submarine Tuna reports the destruction ‘of a large supply vessel screened by two enemy destroyers. Despite the pronouncement of a total blockade by Germany, an unusually large amount of tonnage entered and cleared British ports during the first part of September. The losses sustained during the period, despite the enemy’s utmost endeavours, were only per cent, of the tonnage involved. The fact that Britain increased her exports during the first part of September is regarded as evidence of the complete success of the convoy system, especially when it is realised the convoys are under special difficulties of weather and light conditions during the summer mouths.

The two submarines cited in the above report are idustrative of the splendid service rendered by craft of vastly differing age. for instance, is one of the nine vessels of the H class launched ill the 1917-19 emerg- 1 ency war programme. This class has been of a most successful and popular design and the vessels have the reputation of being the fastest divers and safest boats in the service. The displacement is 410-500 tons, their speed is 13 knots (surface) and 10.5 knots (submerged), and they are armed with four 21-in bow tubes. They carry 22 men.

The Tuna is one of 19 Triton class vessels built between 1935 and 1938, having a displacement of 1090-1575 tons. The armament comprises ohe 4in. gun and two smaller ones, also ten 21in. tubes. Four more of these vessels were authorised by the 1939 Estimates.