200 U-Boats Sunk by Allies in 1943

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 58, 11 March 1944, Page 5

200 U-Boats Sunk by Allies in 1943

Another Record Low in Shipping Losses (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) Received Friday, 8 p.m. LONDON, March 9. Despite the increased United Nations’ shipping across the Atlantic in February U-boats sank the lowest tonnage of Allied merchant shipping since the United States entered the war, according to the joint monthly statement by Mr. Churchill and President Roosevelt. February was also the second lowest for losses during the war. The Allies sank more U-boats than the Germans sank merchantmen, so the exchange rate remains favourable to the United Nations. The Allies sank a few more U-boats in February than January. The Allies destroyed more than 200 enemy submarines in 1943, surpassing the entire bag of the last war, said, Mr. Macdonald, Navy Minister, in the Canadian House of Commons. However, he added, German submarine strength was still as great as at the beginning oi 1943. Canadian warships participated in actions destroying or damaging 15 U-boats. The Canadian Navy this year will acquire two cruisers and eight modern destroyers in addition to two carriers which will be manned by Canadians. The Navy now totals 250 fighting ships and 450 auxiliaries. Mr. Macdonald said the additions would give the Canadians experience in handling large ships after serving in small ships. The Canadian Press Association says this indicates a new offensive programme for the Navy which hitherto has been limited to defensive convoy operations.