WAR IN THE ATLANTIC.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 198, 23 July 1941, Page 7

WAR IN THE ATLANTIC.

ENCOURAGING RESULTS. LONDON, July 22. Following the news of the continued air offensive against Germany and German-occupied territory, it was learned in London to-day that in recent weeks the progress of the Battle of the Atlantic by the Royal Navy, Fleet Air Arm. and the R.A.F., has been encouraging. Taking all factors into consideration, it is not wishful thinking to regard the future with sober confidence, says a commentator. The boldness of the Spanish tanker Campeche, which stood by lor two hours in a danger area in order to save them, was revealed by the crew of H.M.S. Lady Somers, an armed merchant cruiser of 8191 tons. The crew stated that two submarines attacked the Lady Somers, firing torpedoes almost simultaneously. One submarine scored a hit astern and then came to the surtace, but crashdived when the ship opened fire. Five minutes later the second submarine came to the surface, but disappeared vertieallv after the ship fired. While the Lady Somers was settling down, the crew took to the boats, except the captain and the crew of one gun, who kept firing to scare off the submarines. Five hours later a second torpedo struck the Lady Somers. There was a terrific explosion, but those aboard were saved with the rest of the crew. •

After 20 days in an open boat before being picked up 25 survivors of a British merchantman were landed at Vigo (Spain) from a Spanish trawler. The crew totalled 164. The others took to the boats, but their fate is unknown. The ship was voyaging between Hull and Gibraltar.