Determined Scuttling Attempt Thwarted

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 264, 6 November 1941, Page 5

Determined Scuttling Attempt Thwarted

NAVAL INTERCEPTION (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Nov. 4. Three out of five ships in a Vichy convoy attempting to run the blockade with contraband for Germany attempted to scuttle themselves when intercepted by ships of tho British Navy, reports au Admiralty communique issued to-day. They were frustrated by British boarding parties.

The communique says: “Tho Vichy Government has recently been attempting to run contraband lor the Germans from the East to Franco in escorted convoys. Our patrols sighted one such convoy, escorted by a French sloop, and the necessary forces were sent to intercept the convoy off {South Africa.

“On the arrival of his Majesty’s ships, the escorting sloop was requested to direct the convoy to proceed into port so that it could be examined in accordance with our belligerent rights. This request was refused, and so steps were taken to board the ships, upon which three out of five made a determined attempt to scuttle themselves. Their action, however, was frustrated by the prompt steps taken by our boarding parties. “This attempt can only have been made in compliance with instructions which the Germans are known to have given, that French ships are to scuttle themselves rather than allow a search to be carried out and the guilty cargo disclosed. ‘ * This operation is still proceeding. ’ ’ Three of the Vichy snips were of 8000 tons, one of 9100 tons, and one of 5500 tons. Another Admiralty communique states: “Our coastai forces, while on patrol in the English Channel last night, intercepted a large enemy supply snip, which was strongly escorted. The enemy supply ship was hit by two torpedoes fired by one of our vessels, and she either has been sunk or has been beached in a seriously-damaged condition. No casualties or damage were suffered by our vessel.

“The enemy escorts were, meanwhile, heavily engaged by others of our patrol. Our fire was seen to be effective, and damage and casualties are likely to have been inflicted on* the enemy. One of our vessels suffered some damage. Our casualties were one officer and four ratings wounded.”