DIRECT HITS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 169, 20 July 1942, Page 2

DIRECT HITS

BY MERCHANT NAVY

SUBMARINE DISAPPEARS News of yet another gallant action which apparently resulted in the sinking of one more enemy submarine by men of the merchant service while their ship was en route to New Zealand is leaking through, following the ship's safe arrival. While off the Australian coast at night gunfire suddenly opened up astern the vessel, apparently from a submarine which, however, was not then visible to the lookout. Only the gun flashes could be seen. The ship's speed was increased. Shrapnel was first used by the enemy to obtain range, the ship's woodwork being splintered in places, but no casualties occurred. About a dozen armour-piercing shells followed, but failed to score a hit. Then the firing ceased. Up till this time the ship's aft gun crew had not fired a shot, but kept a sharp lookout. Shortly afterwards a submarine was observed coming up fast astern and the ship's gun crew opened fire. Their first shell was seen to fall short and the range was lengthened. After the second shot the submarine was seen to turn broadside on, and a third and fourth shot was observed to fall close aboard, just forward of the conning tower. Following the fourth shot the submarine was seen suddenly to disappear and is believed to have been sunk. Having cleaned their precious gun, the temporary gun crew no doubt resumed their normal jobs and so far the story of their splendid work remains untold.