The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, MAY 29, 1941. THE SINKING OF THE BISMARCK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 124, 29 May 1941, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, MAY 29, 1941. THE SINKING OF THE BISMARCK

yiLE sinking of the Bismarck offsets the loss o£ the Hood: but it does more; it reveals a new kind of war technique, that of aircraft against seaeraft. The Bismarck left Norway for a purpose which cannot as yet be divined. It is improbable that such an expensive battleship would have been sent out on a raider expedition only. The quality of the ship was such that it would be best employed as part of a naval force. A battleship of the Bismarck class has two great advantages, namely, speed and gun range. The. engagement demonstrated by the mishap to the Hood how vulnerable battleships are. They need the protect ion of smaller era ft, particularly torpedo-boat destroyers, and where possible, submarines as well. The battleship is the basis of a sea fleet: the smaller craft being able to retire under the protection of its guns, but the smaller craft make- it dangerous for the opposing fleet to approach too near. When the fleet retreats before a superior force the former is assisted in this operation by the destroyers laying a smoke screen, behind which the retreating lleet alters its course with the object of eluding the, pursuers. In the Arctic regions at this time of the year, almost perpetual daylight prevails, and this long day aids the'attackers. Storms and mist, however, assist the ship which desires to escape, and smoke screens add to the natural cover. Air observations, nevertheless, were able to sight tile Bismarck, and the Admiralty were then able to make a redisposition of air and sea forces to bring the battleship once again into action. The first to attack the Bismarck in the course of its flight were the bombers, which launched aerial torpedoes to such good effect that the ship’s speed was reduced, and the steering gear was damaged to such an extent that a direct course could not be steered. The fugitive battleship then became an almost helpless victim—but not quite helpless, for although it could not manoeuvre, it could, presumably, still fire its guns and torpedo tubes—and battleships soon appeared on the scene and administered the coup-de-grace. Thus ends a part of the mighty effort by Germany to at tain to sea power. Thus ends also another phase of the war: for by the act of sending a battleship and accompanying ships to sea. and at the same time permitting Admiral von Raeder to make a declaration which amounted to the German intention to sink on sight any American ships or convoy escorts which might be encountered, a profound effect was registered upon American public opinion. It should cause no surprise, in view of these recent developments, that the .President of the United Slates of America should have taken the drastic step of declaring that a state of extreme emergency exists for that country. This implies that those special powers which arc vested in the President, ami the executive of the nation in time, of war may now lie exercised in order to meet the contingency of war. In short, Uncle Sam is buckling on his sword.