THE WAR AT SEA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 142, 16 May 1940, Page 10

THE WAR AT SEA.

REVIEW BY ADMIRALTY. . ALLIED SUCCESSES. (British Official 'Wireless.) KUGBY, May 14. ' Some, details of the exceedingly heavy losses inflicted on the enemy in the sea parages between the mainland and Scandinavia have been revealed by inu Admiralty. Operations were carried out by submarines in the most adverse conditions, the flat calm sea and bright, clear moonlight greatly favouring a counter-attack. Minelaying was carried out and caused considerable dislocation to the Nazi communications, while individual submarines, scored striking successes in harassing transport and supply ships. Amongst the exploits recorded is the torpedoing of the "pocket" battleship Admiral Scheer. This vessel fell to an attack by the Spearfish which, as already announced, must now be accounted lost. On the night of April 11 through the 7)eriscopc wa6 seen the bow wave of a heavy ship. The Spearfish attacked at once and was rewarded by hearing torpedoes hit the mark. The Polish submarine Orzel—her voyage from the Baltic will live long in sea annals —had the honour of sinking the first German transport. This was the Rio de Janeiro, which went down to the Orzel's torpedoes on April 8. In a battle of submarine against submarine the French vessel Ophree accounted for a U-lx.at on April 21. Since the beginning of May at least nine German transports and supply ships have been successfully attacked off Norway. . The Admiralty communique ends: "The submarine operations are continuing."