WAR ON U-BOATS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25305, 16 August 1943, Page 3

WAR ON U-BOATS

A NOTABLE VICTORY NINETY SUNK IN THREE MONTHS (Rec. 8.30 pan.) RUGBY, Aug. 14. Over 90 U-boats have been sunk at sea during May, June, and July —an average loss of nearly one a day. During 1943 new Allied ships completed by the Allies exceeded all sinkings by over 3,000,000 tons. These highly encouraging facts are given in the August monthly statement on Axis U-boat warfare issued jointly by President Roosevelt and Mr Churchill. The statement says that during July very poor results were obtained by U-boats from their widespread efforts against shpiping. A steady flow of essential supplies on the greatest scale was conducted unmolested, and such sinkings as had taken place in these areas had had an insignificant effect on the coflduct of tha war by the Allies. July was probably our most successful month, because imports were high, shipping losses were moderate, and U-boat sinkings were heavy. During the descent upon Sicily an armada of warships, troop transports, supply ships, and landing craft proceeded through Atlantic and Mediterranean waters with scarcely any interference. Large reinforcements were also landed on that island. Over 2500 vessels were involved, and losses were only about 50,000 tons. On the other hand, U-boats which attempted to interfere suffered severe losses. “ Offensive operations against Axis submarines continue to progress most favourably in all areas,” the statement adds. ‘‘During May, June, and July we sank at least 90 U-boats—an average loss of nearly one a day over the period. The decline in the activities of U-boats is illustrated by the following figures. In the first six months of 1943 the number of ships sunk per U-boat operating was only half that in the last six months of 1942 and only a-quarter of that in the first half of 1942. The tonnage of shipping in the service of the United Nations continues to show a considerable net increase. During 1943 new ships completed by the Allies exceed all sinkings from all sources by upwards of 3,000,000 tons. “In spite of this very favourable progress,” the statement concludes, “ it must be remembered that the enemy still has large U-boat reserves completed and under construction. It is necessary, therefore, to prepare for an intensification of the battle both at ssa and in the ship yards and to use shipping with the utmost economy to strengthen and speed the general offensive of the United Nations. But we can expect continued success only if we do not relax our efforts in any way.” The London correspondent of the New Zealand Press Association states that the word “ conquered ” is being used in connection with U-boat wolf-pack methods in the Atlantic. It is understood that German hopes of defeating Britain and America by this method of warfare are now seriously crippled, and that, whereas the Nazis once had no difficulty in securing crews of U-boats, there is not now the same light-hearted volunteering.