LIFE OF TERROR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20051, 25 September 1939, Page 7

LIFE OF TERROR

CONDITIONS IN U-BOATS “STRAIN IS TERRIBLE" INEFFECTIVE WEAPON SUCCESSFUL BLOCKADE (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 9 a.m. RUGBY, Sept. 23. A description of life in a hunted U-boat, drawn from details supplied by men with first-hand knowledge ol the conditions in submarines, throws an interesting light on the question of how effective the submarine weapon is likely to prove, apart from the successes obtained before the defence preparations.

Submarines are very vulnerable because damage that would be trivial to a surface ship, may render submersion impossible and a U-boat on the surface is an easy prey.

An attack by depth charges is a most demoralising experience and the strain of explosions coming closer and closer is almost intolerable, the crew well knowing that the next one may sink them for ever. Hunted by destroyers and patrol craft, forever searched for by aeroplanes, conscious always of mines and mined nets, the strain is terrible.

Neither do the living conditions ease the situation. Even on the surface the boat must always be trimmed for instant diving. On the deck space above the water only three men can stand. All others below are cabined and confined in an oppressive, often foul atmosphere.

No matter how great the capability of the submarine, the men living in a perpetual nightmare of suspense and anxiety tire long before the machinery.

The ooinion of experts is, therefore, that although Britain may endure great losses, submarines alone can never maintain an adequate blockade.