THE U-BOAT WAR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 237, 25 June 1918, Page 5

THE U-BOAT WAR

ALLIES' TENACITY WINNING

ANXIETY IN GERMANY

London, ...Tune 22. A striking accumulation iof evidence shown that in the grim and prolonged submarine warfare tho tenacity of the Allies and tho multiform methods of destruction aro definitely winning. Official information from neutral eburces in Scandinavia states, that every week rocontly U-boats failed to return to their bases. A large number was lost in one month, and six others staggered homo badly damaged. The dockyards aro no longer üblo to fully accommodate tho submarines, and {ho authorities are obliged to establish emergency repair depots, which employed a largo amount of civilian labour and also many war prisoners skilled in engineering, j The German authorities have become anxious concerning tho physical and mental overstrain of tho. returned crews, tho result of long submersions, loss of sleep, and the interminablo dodging of aircraft, destroyors, motor boats, and trawlers. Commander Rose, a well,known U-boat commander, speaking recently confessed to tho shattering moral effect of depth bombs, particularly on inexperienced crews, r.wing to (bo hellish din caused by their explosion, j This is the first admission that inexperi-1 enced crews aro used in submarines, and : adds significance to lanother German commander's later statement that the largo proportion of losses is duo to tho crews not being fully trained. Some men aro sent out within nix weeks of enlistment. Every precaution is taken to prevent U-boat crews talking of their experiences, but stories of tho effects of tho bombings continually leak out. Tho men admit that tho losses of U-boats and sumbersiblo mine-layers aro very great, and are increasing. The British convoy system has so improved that shelling is only undertaken with extreme care, and the submarines now confine their operajions mainly to torpedo attacks. Tho German patrols are sharing, in the heavy losses which rosult from the increased Allied defence. The dangers of tho U-boat service aro causing Humorous desertions. — "The Times."

ENEMY SUBMARINE IN SPANISH WATERS. Madrid, June 23. An enemy iubmarine at Barcelona, without entering the port, landed a wounded officer and tlien proceeded to sea. The crew is 'endeavouring to repair tho damago —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assu. FIVE NORWEGIAN VESSELS TORPEDOED* Bergen, Juno 23. Submarines torpedoed livo Norwegian steamers, tho Diane, Saimo. Stryar, ICui, and Born. No Norwegians were killed— Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

(Tho cablo news In this iesuo accredited to tho London "Times" has appeared In that Journal, but_only where eipreßsly stated is such news fllo editorial opluiop of tho "Times,'T