NAVAL ACTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22538, 1 October 1936, Page 11

NAVAL ACTION

STRAITS OF GIBRALTAR LOYALIST SHIP SUNK REBELS PURSUE ANOTHER By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, Sept. 120 A three hours' battle between the rebel cruiser Almirante Cervera and the loyalist destroyer Almirante Ferrandiz in the Str.aits of Gibraltar is reported by the Tangier correspondent of the British United Press. The correspondent said that an S.O.S. message was sent out but he did not know by which vessel. Another message from Tangier states that the French liner Koutoubia (8790 tons) picked up survivors of the battle. She is taking them to Casablanca, Morocco. Further details cabled from Tangier reveal that, the Spanish Government's new destroyer Gravina was sunk at a point west of Tarifa. The Almirante Ferrandiz went to her assistance but was struck by a shell and retreated. The Almirante Cervera is now in pursuit.

The first intimation that a battle was in progress was conveyed' by Reuter's Tangier representative, who stated that heavy cannonading could be heard there.

OTHER VESSELS LOST FATE OF THE CAPITAL FRANCO PREDICTS FALL STRONG DEFENCE MEASURES (Received October 1, 1.15 a.m.) GIBRALTAR, Sept. 30 The rebels' naval victory resulted in the sinking of the destroyer Almirante Ferrandiz and the armed trawler Xauen, while the Gravina was set on fire fore and aft and was last seen sinking. • The leader of the insurgents, General Franco, predicts the occupation of Madrid on October 12, the anniversary of the discovery of America. He claims that his forces have cut the railway at Siguenza, north-east of Madrid, leaving the only link with the sea via Algodor. «,A despatch from Madrid says the Government is calling up the 1922-2.'} classes of conscripts, also all bricklayers, cement workers and engineers, to make Madrid an impregnable fortress. Life in the capital proceeds as if there were no fear of attack. The cafes are filled and more people are abroad at night than early in the civil war.

REBELS MOVE NORTH I MARCH ON THE CAPITAL IRISH HELP REJECTED LONDON, Sept. 20 The insurgents' commander at Burgos, states that the advance from the recently-captured town of Toledo toward Madrid has begun. The rebel army leader,, General Cabanellas, whose headquarters are at Valladolid, has rejected General O'Duffy's offer of 2000 Irish recruits, saying that foreigners are not wanted.