LINER SAVED BY DESTROYER
Manoeuvred In Way Of Torpedo (Rec. 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 20. How the lives of 1000 fullytrained R.A.F. pilots, observers and navigators aboard a fast 15,000-ton liner bound from Canada to Scotland were saved when attacked by a U-boat in the Atlantic was told by a member of the crew. The U-boat fired two torpedoes, which missed. A third torpedo headed straight for the liner when the escorting destroyer, which was accompanied by a corvette, manoeuvred between the torpedo and the liner. There was a terrific explosion as the torpedo tore the destroyer’s side. Smoke belched and debris rained in the vicinity. When the air cleared there was nothing left of the destroyer except a patch of oil and a few spars. Only seven members of the crew were saved. The liner sailed on at full speed but met another U-boat, which was quickly dealt with. The liner reached port safely. The military correspondent of the “Evening Standard” says that a heavy U-boat offensive has been launched in the Atlantic in response to Japanese demands, for the purpose of straining the Allied fleets and preventing United States naval reinforcements going to the Pacific.
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Bibliographic details
Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22204, 23 February 1942, Page 5
Word Count
197LINER SAVED BY DESTROYER Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22204, 23 February 1942, Page 5
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