NOT A SHIP LOST

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22476, 11 January 1943, Page 5

NOT A SHIP LOST

Convoy Gets Through To Russia Escort Routs Germans British Official Wireless RUGBY, January 8. Another Allied convoy laden with important military supplies for Russia has arrived in northern Russian ports. Although the convoy was attacked by a considerable enemy naval force off the North Cape, in the extreme north of Norway, it did not lose a single ship, thanks to the gallant fight put up by the escort. The action between the British escort and an enemy naval force was referred to in an Admiralty communique on December 31, when it was stated that operations were continuing. Another Admiralty communique issued to-night gives the full story. On the morning of December 31, the British escort, consisting of destroyers, made contact with an enemy naval force. Although the enemy force was greatly superior (it is thought to have consisted of one pocket battleship, a cruiser and a number of destroyers), the British commander immediately led his destroyers to the attack and closed with the eenmy with great gallantly. Fighting continued for about two hours. During this time the enemy made four attempts to break through and destroy the convoy, but the destroyers, by resolute and skilful handling, succeeded in driving off every attempt. More powerful forces then arrived in support of the British destroyers and engaged the enemy, who escaped at high speed in low visibility to the safety of his bases 0”> ”'3 Norwegian coast. The enemy has since admitted that one destroyer was sunk, and damage is also claimed to one of the larger enemy ships. The British lost one destroyer, and another suffered some damage and casualties. In spite of almost continuous darkness, extreme cold and navigational hazards owing to ice and low visibility, and interference from the enemy, supplies continue to reach Russia by the northern route. Nothing Finer in Naval History “There has been nothing finer in the annals of the Royal Navy.” Mr A. V. Alexander, First Lord of the Admiralty, said last night when referring to the action fought by British destroyers in the Russian convoy against a German pocket battleship and cruiser. Of Captain Sherbrooke, commander of the destroyers, Mr Alexander said: “He sent a couple of destroyers against the enemy destroyers and went straight in against the pocket battleship and an eight-inch gun cruiser. His ships were little ships, but how valuable they were to our Navy, country and cause.”