TARANTO RAID

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23816, 18 November 1940, Page 8

TARANTO RAID

RESULTS CONFIRMED CRIPPLED BATTLESHIPS RECONNAISSANCE OF BASE British Wireless IyOXDOX, Nov. 15 A further reconnaissance of the Italian naval base at Taranto has established with certainty that three battleships were crippled during the attack by the Fleet Air Arm on the night of November 11-12. states an official Admiralty communique. Efforts are being made to salvage a battleship of the Littorio class, of tons, which was previously seen to have the forecastle under water and a heavy list to starboard. Auxiliary and salvage vessels are lying alongside on both sides of the ship, and nets have hcen laid all round for her protection. Pumping is in progress. The bows of the ship have been raised, and she now has a list to port. The reconnaissance confirmed that two battleships of the Cavour class, of 23.600 tons, are aground. One has been beached, and an auxiliary vessel is lying alongside. Nets have been laid all round for tho protection of the ship. A second Cavour class battleship appears to have been abandoned. She is lying heeled over to starboard, with only the forward part of her upper works above water. The pilot of one of the reconnaissance aircraft has reported that four ships can be seen under water off the entrance to the graving dock in the inner harbour.

PANAMA DEFENCES AMERICAN NAVAL STRENGTH NEW YORK. Nov. 15 A message from Cristobal says 30 converted armed yachts and tugboats, averaging 100 tons, are being assembled at Panama for patrol work. United States destroyers regularly stationed at Panama are remaining and may he augmented. AID FOR BRITAIN AMERICAN LABOUR SUPPORT NEW YORK, Nov. 15 Mr. William Green, president of the American Federation of Labour,, has pledged the federation's full assistance in the defence programme and in supplying war materials to Britain.