ITALY’S LOSS Three Battleships

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 44, 15 November 1940, Page 7

ITALY’S LOSS Three Battleships

Out Of Six BALANCE OF POWER Reactions In Every Part Of World 1 (British OUicial Wireless.) (Received November 14, 7.5 p.m.) RUGBY, November 13. Announcing in the House of Commons the smashing blow at Italy’s great warships, Mr. Churchill said, amid cheering: “I have some news for the House. It is good news.” As he unfolded the story described in the Admiralty communique, his recital was repeatedly broken by cheers. Mr. Churchill said the two Littorio class battleships were among the most powerful vessels in the world. He added: “ This fleet, of course, was considerably more powerful on paper than our Mediterranean Fleet, but had consistently refused to accept battle. “On the night of November 11-12, when the main units of the Italian fleet were lying behind their shore batteries, our aircraft of the Licet Air Arm attacked them in their stronghold. I felt it my duty to bring this glorious episode to the immediate notice of the House. “As the result of determined and liighly-successful attacks, which reflect the greatest honour on the Fleet Air Ann, only three of the Italian battleships now remain effective. “This result, while it affects decisively the balance of naval power in the Mediterranean, also carries with it. reactions on the entire naval situation in every quarter of the globe. “The spirit of the Royal Navy shown in this daring attack is also exemplified in the forlorn and heioic action fought by the captain, officers and ship's company of the Jervis Bay in giving battle against overwhelming adds to protect the merchant convoy they were escorting and thus securing the escape of by far the greater part of the convoy. “I feel sure the House will regard these results „as highly satisfactory and as reflecting the greatest credit upon the Admiralty, upon Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham. Commander-In-Chief of the Mediterranean Heel, and, above all, upon the pilots of our Fleet Air Arm who, like their brothers >f the R.A.F., continue to render their tountry services of the highest order. ’