H.M.S. VINDICTIVE SUNK TO BLOCK THE EXIT

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 200, 13 May 1918, Page 5

H.M.S. VINDICTIVE SUNK TO BLOCK THE EXIT

OBJECT ALMOST ACHIEVED • GENERAL MAURICE RETIRED The Navy has brilliantly followed up its recent attack on the enemy bases on the Bolgian coast by another, attack on Ostend. The operations were planned and conducted with masterly skill, and splendid daring was displayed in foroinp the enemy's inshore and harbour defences. The old cruiser Vindictive, which acted as covering-ship in the earlier attack on Zeebrugge, was transformed on this occasion into a blockship, and was sunk well inside tho Oatoni! harbour entrance. At least half tho channel is blocked, and the utility of Ostond to tho enemy as a naval harbour of refuge is much impaired. Considering the perilous nature of the undertaking, the British casualties were remarkably light. Except'in the domain of aerial warfare, no big events are reported in thn Western campaign. The Allied air forces, besides playing a brilliant part in the attack on Ostend and carrying out many bombing attacks, have taken very heavy toll - »i the enemy aerial squadrons. The weekly official roview of operations in the Western theatre- is exceptionally interesting, and is notably optimistic in dealing with tho outlook. It is announced that the Army Council, having considered General Maurice's ■ xplanaUon6, decided that he be placed forthwith on tetired pay.