Italian Fleet Badly Depleted

Northern Advocate, 14 November 1941, Page 5

Italian Fleet Badly Depleted

LONDON. November 13. “The Italian fleet at the outbreak of the war consisted of four battleships, seven eight-inch gun cruisers, 12 sixinch gun cruisers, 60 destroyers, 55 torpedo boats and 100 to 120 submarines," said Mi - . Churchill in the course of his speech in the House of Commons. “Two battleships were also under construction. “That fleet today consists of approximately five battleships, four eight-inch gun cruisers, 10 six-inch gun cruisers, 37 destroyers, 45 torpedo boats and 30 submarines.” Referring to the successful action against an Italian convoy on Sunday, when 10 supply ships and three destroyers were sunk, Mr. Churchill said it occurred at a range of 2000 to 3000 yards. Big Ships Avoided Combat “Apparently,” he added, “the enemy cruisers and two destroyers skipped out when the Royal Navy opened fire, leaving the rest of the escort to stand the racket.” The British Official Wireless says brilliant leadership, offensive action, thorough training and mutual understanding were distinctive qualities which characterised the action. This was the opinion expressed by an expert commentator in London. He revealed that the two Italian 10,000-ton cruisers which were “covering” the convoy, and must have made off at top speed when the action began, were later met by the British submarine which sank one of the destroyers and damaged another which was in company with them. Night Action Proficiency Generally, the expert said, the attack was a good example of the attainment of the object of all naval operations, which was to prevent the enemy from using the sea routes for his own purposes. The Italians could well afford strong naval escorts from their navy. The special significance should be realised, not only of the complete coordination between the British reconnaissance aircraft and the surface striking forces, but also the remarkable results of the intensive British naval night training. It was obvious that, owing to the vicinity of Italian naval and air bases, such an action could only be carried out in the dark hours, and success would only be possible if there were complete understanding between the units engaged.