FRENCH FLEET SCUTTLED

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLXI, Issue 15211, 28 November 1942, Page 3

FRENCH FLEET SCUTTLED

SCENE OF DESOLATION GERMANS KEPT AT BAY. (Received 1.30 a.m.‘) limtf-d Press A.ssil. Hv Electric !'“■ LONDON. Nov. 27. The German-controlled Vto hy radio announced today that Toulon naval base where a portion of the French fleet has been stationed, has been occupied by the Germans under orders from Hitier. (British Official Wireless.) (Received 8.45 a.m.) RUGBY, Nov. 27. The German-controlled Vichy radio today announced that the French Fleet at Toulon had been scuttled. The Vichy announcement, i.a describing the scuttling, said that consequent upon Hitler's decision to occupy Toulon, waves of German bombers flew over the port dropping flares to light up the French fleet and magnetic mines to prevent the escape of the French ships. The German iorces attempted to take over the ships which ttied to leave the port but, while the French anti-aircraft guns fired at the bombers, the crews kept the Germans at bay with rifle fire while the scuttling was in preparation. Vichy says that violent explosion followed explosion as the crews scuttled their ships. There were many casualties and a scene of desolation was witnessed with clouds of smoke enveloping the port. Nothing was left of the valuable naval stores and material and it is believed that two submarines were sue- * cessful in getting away. The battleship Dunkerque, cruisers, destroyers and other ships are now merely battered hulks. The radio said that Hitler had decided to take over the fleet as there was ample evidance of divided loyalty and it was known that orders had been issued not to open fire on any Allied attempt at landing.