THE NORTH SEA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23940, 16 October 1939, Page 7

THE NORTH SEA

BRITISH NAVAL CONTROL SUCCESS OF CONVOYS GERMAN CLAIMS DENIED (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegrahp—Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 13. British naval advices give the lie to German claims that Germany dominates by air the North Sea, in which convoys are running like clockwork and fishing fleets are operating normally. It is believed the claims are a deliberate attempt, first, to keep up the German internal morale; secondly, to impress neutrals with the might of the German air arm; and, thirdly, to lure the Royal Navy to make dangerous sallies. It is now learned that the recent North Sea action lasted eight hours. The German bombers came in relays, but failed to score a single hit. Their casualties are not known, but it is believed that at least six were brought down. Despite the Germans’ persistent claims that they hit an aircraft carrier, it can be definitely stated that no warship has been touched by air since the outbreak of war. It can also be stated that there is no confirmation that an enemy submarine was sighted in the Pacific. It is learned that all the German merchantmen were ordered to scuttle their ships if there was any danger of capture. The Admiralty announces that the German information service has now admitted that after the attack on the British naval forces in the North Sea on Monday, four of their planes fell into the sea and that two made forced landings on Danish territory. HUNTING THE U-BOATS GOOD RESULTS ON FRIDAY THREE DESTROYED LONDON, Oct. 13. The Admiralty announces that Friday, the 13th, proved an unlucky day for U-boats, three having been destroyed. Hunting craft were able to rescue some of the survivors. OCEAN-GOING CUSS LONDON, Oct. 14. (Received Oct. 15, at 9 p.m.) It has been learned that two of the three U-boats sunk yesterday were of the large ocean-going class. GERMAN DESTROYERS REPLACING SUBMARINES BERLIN, Oct. 13. German naval officers, broadcasting from Kiel, staled that destroyers are now carrying out raids in the North Sea in place of submarines. So far three raiding expeditions have been, made against contraband commerce. RECONNAISSANC^^IRCRAFT HAMPERED BY WEATHER (British Official Wireless) RUGBY. Oct. 14. (Received Oct. 15, at 8 p.m.) According to an Air Ministry statement the poor flying conditions of the past week caused only a slight interruption in convoy work by the reconnaissance aircraft of the coastal command. Aircraft guarding the convoys have been only withdrawn when flying was impossible through bad visibility and when rain storms caused aircraft to fly at times close above the waves. , Under the protection of the air, anti-submarine patrols, and naval escorts, thousands of tons of vital supplies have been shipped safely, to Britain. AH convoys, arriving or leaving, now receive air protection, which piay extend hundreds of miles out to sea. NEW DEFENSIVE SQUADRON MERCHANTMEN CONVERTED RUGBY, Oct. 14. (Received Oct. 15, at 8 p.m.) The most recent addition to the British Navy is a 15,000 ton luxury liner, which is being converted into an armed merchant cruiser, ready to deal with enemy raiders above or below the sea’s surface. The spacious first-class dining saloon has been split in two to form a wardroom and gunroom. The shell racks stand where the deck quoit court is still marked out, and the forward and aft cargo holds have been converted into ammunition magazines. She is only one of a number of big merchant vessels fitted out as armed merchant cruisers to form a new defensive squadron for the Royal Navy. . , , At the same time a number of smaller craft are being fitted with guns for purely defensive measures. In conformity with international law they have guns aft, so that they cannot fire from an attacking position. MINISTRY OF SHIPPING LONDON, Oct. 13. A Ministry of Shipping has been established under the direction of Sir John Gilmour, M.P.