WAR IN SPAIN

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20693, 31 December 1938, Page 7

WAR IN SPAIN

A NAVAL ENGAGEMENT DESTROYER FORCED AGROUND SEVEN’ KILLED, ii WOUNDED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON,’ Dec. 30 The Spanish Republican destroyer j Jose Luis Diez was forced aground on Eastern Beach, Gibraltar, during an , engagement with Nationalist warships, ■ including the cruis-er Canarias. One report says the .lose Luis Dicz had pre- ; viouslv rammed the Nationalist minei layer Jupiter, sinking tier. The destroyer, which had been un- | dergoing repairs at Gibraltar after be- { ing hit by shells from a Nationalist | battery, was trying to slip out of the harbour soon after midnight when the Nationalist warships, which had been lying in wait, forced her aground. The destroyer does not appear to have been hit, but seven of the crew were killed and 11 wounded by sheil splinters. Three destroyers—two British and one French —are standing by the Jose Luis Diez and assisting to remove the casualties. They arc not allowing the I Nationalist warships to approach her.

A DRAMATIC STORY

FIERCE MACHINE-GUN FIRE RAMMING OF MINE-LAYERS SEVERAL VILLAGERS INJURED

(Ur.itecL.Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received Dec. 31, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 30 Tiie Gibraltar correspondent of the British United Press says a member of the crew of the Jose Luis Diez states that the vessel, after repairing the damage due to an encounter on August 27, was awaiting a chance to slip through the insurgents’ cordon outside Gibraltar, owing to the expiration of the time limit which Britain had imposed for sanctuary. “ As the Jose Luis Diez crept out without lights,” he continued, “ I saw residents of a house in Gibraltar sending up rockets, suggesting signalling, whereupon the rebels attacked the vessel retaliated with six torpedoes and then headed for a refuge in British waters. The rebels continued to attack, the mine-layer, Jupiter, approaching and ordering her surrender. The Jose Luis Diez rammed the Jupiter with terrific, force, dragging her aground at Europa Point, while members of the crow of the Jose Luis Diez machine-gunned the Jupiter’s decks. The Jose Luis Diez grounded in the, shallows off a village in Catalan Bay.” Two English and one French destroyers stood by and directed their searchlights on the Jose Luis Diez, assisting her to land the casualties. The wounded were admitted to hospital jn Gibraltar. Rebel Sloop Hit The member of the crew added: “I •believe that a torpedo hit the rebel stoop Galvosoteld, which has not yet been located.” The shelling of the Jose Luis Diez damaged two houses in Catalan Bay and injured several people, including a village policeman. It is understood that Jose Luis Diez was damaged amidships, chiefly in the engine-room. MEMBER OF CREW DEAD OVERWHELMING FORCES (United Press Assn.— Elec. Tel. Copyright) (•Received Dec. 31, 1 p.m.) GIBRALTAR, Dec. 30 A wounded member of the crew' of the Jose Juis Diez lias died. The forces against the vessel were overwhelming, consisting of the minelayers Jupiter and Valvosotclo and six armed trawlers. VESSEL TO BE INTERNED BRITISH GUARD ABOARD (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 31, 11.45 p.m.) GIBRALTAR, Dec. 30 It is understood that the Spanish Republican destroyer .lose Luis Diez, is being interned. A British guard is already aboard. BRITISH STEAMER BOMBED ATTACK IN VALENCIA HARBOUR THE VESSEL SERIOULY DAMAGED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 31. 11.35 a.m.) VALENCIA, Dec. 30 The British stormier Mirupanu was bombed in the harbour and was serMAR SKILLED. Dec. 30 A destro>er picked up •!>•■ remainder Of the crew Of the Maii.mga who proceeding lo