SIX HUNDRED DEAD.

Wairarapa Age, 3 May 1937, Page 5

SIX HUNDRED DEAD.

FIRST WARSHIP IN HISTORY SUNK BY AIRCRAFT. AN APPALLING EXPLOSION. LONDON, April 30. A message from Santander states that the first warship la history that has been sunk by aircraft lies in 80 fathoms of water three miles off Cape Mayor, near Santander. Six hundred of the company of 800 are believed to have been lost. The whole incident was observed by crowds clustered on the sea front. The Government aircraft consisted of three bombing ’planes escorted by fighters. Three coastal batteries had already opened fire in the hope of protecting the Knitsley. The bombing 'planes dropped seven very powerful missiles, two of which struck the Espana’s stern. There was a huge burst of smoke and' an appalling explosion. The Espana slowly heaved up her bows and sank, hundreds of the crew flinging themselves into the sea. They were mostly school teachers and clerks, and were unable, through lack of experience, to launch boats, despite the calmness of the sea.

The Government bombing ’planes, their pilots flushed with success, followed up their achievement by seeking out the Almirante Cervera and bombing her, but they failed to hit the target. It is reported from Madrid that the Government destroyer Alsedo seized a rebel steamer off Gibraltar with a cargo of a hundred aero engines and 40,000 "rounds of ammunition. It is also reported from Madrid that in a bombardment to-day three persons were killed and 25 wounded. (Continued on page 7.) “YOU CAN’T STOP ME.’’ BRITISH SHIP’S REPLY TO ESPANA. (Received Sunday, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 1. The Bilbao correspondent of “The Times” says the Espana signalled the Knitsley to stop just outside the threemile limit, to which the Knitsley replied: “You can’t stop me. I’m British.” A Bilbao message states that the captains of nine British vessels have agreed to evacuate as many children as possible, probably five thousand. Destroyers will carry others. BATTLE FOR BILBAO. REINFORCEMENT OF DEFENDING TROOPS. LONDON, April 3. The rebels Have made no further advance on the Bilbao front. The defenders Mve been strongly reinforced with men and material. A GERMAN DENIAL. (Received Sunday,’ 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 1. The Berlin News Agency denies that German troops have landed at San Sebastian. BOMBS ON BILBAO. BOY OF FIVE KILLED. (Received Sunday, 6.0 p.m.) LONDON, May 1. A Bilbao message states that three insurgent ’planes, apparently of Italian manufacture, dropped two bombs on Bilbao and a third in a park, killing a boy of five. Others fell about the

British destroyer Faulknor, anchored in the outer harbour. The British foodship Stancourt has arrived. ORDERED TO SPAIN. BATTLESHIP RESOLUTION. RUGBY, April 30. The battleship of 29,150 tons, with eight 15-inch guns, is to proceed to north Spanish waters, where she will relieve the cruiser Shropshire. When H.M.S. Resolution arrives off! thq north coast of Spain there will be for the first time two British battleships, H.M.S. Resolution and H.M.S. Royal Oak, in the northern Spanish area.— (British, Official Wireless. AID FOB REFUGEES. APPEAL TO BRITISH WOMEN. LONDON, April 30 Miss Megan Lloyd George, MJ*., has circularised thousands of women’s Liberal organisations soliciting aid for the evacuation of refugee children at Bilbao, many of whom are already homeless orphans. EVACUATION PLANS. FRANCE AND BRITAIN AGREE. PARIS, April 30. The Foreign Office announces that France and Britain have agreed to facilitate the evacuation of several thousands of civilians from Bilbao. Britain is making efforts to secure a promise from General Franco not to fire on refugee ships.