CONVOY TO RUSSIA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 40, 18 February 1943, Page 5

CONVOY TO RUSSIA

GRAPHIC ACCOUNT GIVEN BY OFFICER Rugby, Feb. 13. A graphic account of how a convoy fought its way to Russia, despite submarine and air attacks, was told today by an officer of one of the merchant ships. “The first few days,” he said, “were boisterous, with strong winds and heavy seas. Then we sighted the first sign of ice and snow, and as we progressed we heard the rumbling crash of depth charges. Under-sea pirates had smelt us out, and our escort was taking the necessary countermeasures. During the next few days our escort did a good job, and no merchantmen were hit.

Sunday brought large-scale submarine and air attacks. The first air onslaught was made by about 40 Heinkel 111 torpedo bombers. Our surface escort opened with a heavy barrage and Hurricanes laced into the enemy formations. However, torpedoes were dropped and ships were struck, the explosions mixing with the gunfire The surviving Heinkels swept on tn attack the inner columns. When all their torpedoes were gone they turned and made off, Hurricanes striking fast and with deadly effect whenever opportunity offered. Through all this hell of fire the convoy carried on, and 13 enemy aircraft were definitely destroyed. "For a whole week the attacks continued, but Saturday saw us in the White Sea. and although the attacks were continuing, on Sunday Russian fighters had appeared and we saw nothing further of Nazi planes. Then we took our pilots aboard and proceeded towards the port. The convoy had suffered losses, but we had exacted a high toll from the enemy, and brought a very valuable war cargo to Russia.”—B.O.W.