HUNDRED INJURED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 3, 5 January 1944, Page 5

HUNDRED INJURED

U.S. DESTROYER BLOWS UP Recd. 6 p.m. New York, Jan. 3. | A United States destroyer blew up and sank off Sandy Hook at the southern side of the mouth of Lower Bay of New York Harbour. The Navy Department stated that at least 113 men were injured. More than 100 of the survivors have been landed. The cause of the explosion has not been determined. The explosion was so tremendous that it blew the heavy guns into the air, hurled men overboard, shattered windows along the coast and was heard far inland. A Navy Department statement said the destroyer anchored at 3.30 a.m. and was making ready to move out at 7 a.m. At 6.18 there was a terrific explosion without any indication of the cause. A mast toppled and the bridge buckled and collapsed. Firefighting parties fought the outbreak until 7.5 a.m., when the ship was abandoned. She went down soon after. Survivors said the ship broke in two under tne second gun turrets. At least 163 of the crew of ' 225 were rescued. Of these 108 were injured, many through burns. One survivor said 40mm shells were popping off all around them when the vessel sank. Oil was blazing and ammunition was explodinc. WHEN VICTORY COMES STRENGTH OF RED ARMY Recd. 7.30 p.m. London, Jan. 3. Declaring that it \yas his considered opinion, after two years’ observation in Moscow, that the Red Army’s most powerful development has yet to come. Reuter’s correspondent says: “If victory comes this year, as General Eisenhower predicted, it will see the Red Army, after three years of the bloodiest battles, stronger than when it took the field. Russia will enter the Peace Conference not only as a victorious nation but as a strong one. That is where the full achievement of the last year lies. This does not under-estimate the grievous casualties which, part from deportations, totalled 4,000,000 to last June and now may total another half-million. From to 3000 are being added to that f.gure every 24 hours. The Red Army’s prospects in the coming months are undoubtedly favourable. The Russians, despite terrific strain, are still at the height of their powers. The Red Army rank and fil c have shown they can take punishment longer and better than Hitler’s fanatical hordes.’’