DESTROYERS IN ACTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 243, 13 October 1937, Page 7

DESTROYERS IN ACTION

MEDITERRANEAN BATTLE ENCOUNTER WITH ARMED MERCHANTMAN (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) Received Oct. 12, 5.43 p.m. LONDON, Oct. 12. The first encounter between an armed merchantman and destroyers in the Mediterranean was graphically described by the captain of the Cabosantotome, which was carrying a cargo of explosives from Odessa to Cartagena. Insurgent destroyers appeared and without warning opened fire at long range. The Cabosantotome replied with her two four-inch guns and several quickfirers. An hour’s hot action ensued. The warships closed in and their shells eventually set fire to the merchantman, which raced at full speed to Bona with the flames out of control. The crew, numbering 100, one of whom had been killed, took to the boats. The Cabosantotome blew up and fishing boats picked up the survivors and look them to La Calle. Six were wounded. Fishermen said a woman was among the rescued. They said the Cabosantotome defended herself so energetically that one destroyer was disabled and was taken in tow by her companion. INSURGENT ATTACK FRENCH SHIP’S SOS DESTROYER'S SWIFT RESPONSE ALGIERS, Oct. 11. The French destroyer Gerfault swiftly answering an S.O.S. from the French cargo vessel Ville de Bougie, near Marporca, resulted in the insurgent vesesl which stopped the Ville de Bougie, departing. MADRID BOMBED AGAIN MANY CIVILIAN CASUALTIES X MADRID, Oct. 11. The centre of the city was most severely bombarded for two hours, causing casualties among workers, shoppers, and children going to school.