FIGHT AGAINST MINES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26034, 24 December 1945, Page 8

FIGHT AGAINST MINES

DANGER IN ENGLISH CHANNEL ALL SWEEPERS MOBILISED (Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 21. Every available British and Allied minesweeper is being mobilised to fight hundreds of mines which have been driven by recent gales through the English Channel from the minefields which during the war guarded the south-east coast. The Daily Mail says the Admiralty late to-day ordered the mobilisation to meet the worst menace to the shores of the United Kingdom since VE-Day. Minesweeper escorts raced to guide two large American troopships carrying 6000 men through the straits to Bremerhaven. Mine patrols cordoned off the straits. Every hour brings fresh evidence of the break-up of a large minefield. All ships steaming have been cautiously watching for mine packs. „ , , Towns oh the Anglo-French coast throughout the day and night were shaken by explosions as naval sweepers destroyed mine after mine. Escort naval motor launches and frigates will be given to all troopships steaming through “mine alley” off the Kent coast, where scores of mines released during the recent gales are drifting, says the Evening News. The wind is still rising. Extra lookouts have been posted on all ships. Wide-flung sweeper patrols are chasing and destroying mines, and coastal towns are being shaken by explosions. A large mine was driven ashore opposite Walmer Castle, the official residence of Mr Churchill, as Lord Warden .of the Cinque Ports. Efforts are being made to secure it before high water. Another big mine is 200 yards from the beach and drifting towards the sea defence works which are being built at Sandgate to protect the main coast road. Coastguards are patrolling ready for instant action if it drifts inshore. A naval officer was killed while dealing with a mine near Bognor Regis. The force of the explosion was felt 10 miles inland.