PRINCE OF WALES AND THE REPULSE SUNK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 292, 11 December 1941, Page 5

PRINCE OF WALES AND THE REPULSE SUNK

OPERATIONS NEAR MALAYA JAPANESE SAY THAT BOTH SHIPS WERE HIT FROM THE AIR

(By Telegraph—Prcs» Association—Copyright.) Recd. 1.15 a.m.) London. Dec. 10. The Admiralty announces iiie loss of the battleship Prince of Wales and the battle-cruiser Repulse. No details are given in the communique, but it is believed that both ships were lost during operations against the Japanese off Malaya.

A Japanese report states that the I British battle fleet was seen steaming 1 off the east coast of Malaya and Japanese bombers immediately went into the attack. The 'Repulse was hit with torpedoes and later the Prince of Wales, which was seen to have a heavy list. She then tried to get away, but was again hit and sank. In a broadcast to the nation last night, Mr. J. Curtin, Prime Minister of Australia, said that the loss of these two ships is a heavy blow and has brought home to Australia the gravity of her position.

H.M.S. Repulse was a battlecruiser t of the Renown class. She was of 32 000 tons, was built in 1916 and re- . filled in 1932 Her main armament ' was six 16-inch guns. 12 four-inch and eight anti-aircraft guns. She had a speed of 29 knots. H.M.S. Prince of Wales, sister ship to King George V. is one of three battleships which Britain was building when war hroke out. She was used by Mr. Churchill to meet President Roosevelt in the Atlantic when the historical Atlantic Charter was signed. IShe was of 35.000 tons, had a speed of 35 knots. Her main armament was 10 new style 14-inch guns and 16 5.25inch guns.