WARFARE AT SEA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23916, 18 September 1939, Page 8

WARFARE AT SEA

GERMAN SUBMARINES A NUMBER DESTROYED OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 15. The Ministry of Information states: “A number of German submarines have been destroyed by British destroyers and aeroplanes.” ADMIRALTY’S MESSAGE LACONIC BUT CHEERING (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Sept. 16. (Received Sept. 17, at 8 p.m.) A message issued by the Admiralty concerning the progress of the counter-measures taken by the Navy against the German submarine campaign on British shipping is the subject of favourable comment in the press. The Daily Telegraph believes that “very likely satisfaction will be the general reaction to the laconic but cheering message of the Admiralty.” The Manchester Guardian states: “ The Admiralty rightly says little about its campaign against the submarine, for the less Germany knows about what is happening to her boats the more difficult it will be for her to plan. It is more encouraging, therefore, to hear officially that many attacks have been made and a number of U-boats have been destroyed.” SEARCH FOR U-BOATS WIDE AREA PATROLLED (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Sept. 15. The Ministry of Information states that British destroyers, patrol vessels, and aircraft have been carrying out constant patrols over wide areas in search of enemy U-boats. Many attacks have been made and a number of U-boats destroyed. The survivors have been rescued and captured when possible. BRITISH NAVAL FORCES RESPECT FOR NEUTRALS (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Sept. 15. In a broadcast from the Essen German wireless station it was stated that all Netherlands vessels in future were to be more clearly marked as a safeguard against British attacks. The fact is that no Netherlands, or any other neutral vessels, have been attacked by the British naval forces. As Mr Chamberlain said in the House of Commons on Wednesday, the object of the British Navy must be, as in the last wear, to ensure the freedom and safety of the seas. CONTRABAND CARGOES LARGE QUANTITIES SEIZED (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Sept. 15. The Ministry of Information announces that during the week ended September 9 the British contraband control intercepted and detained large quantities of goods concerning which there was evidence that they were contraband, consigned to Germany, including 28,500 tons of petroleum, 26,350 tons of iron ore, 3400 tons of other ore, 4600 tons of manganese ore, 7300 tons of wood pulp, 6000 tons of pebble phosphate, and a number of mixed cargoes. DISTRESS CALL HEARD SHIP IN SOUTH ATLANTIC NEW YORK, Sept. 15. ’ A message from Chatham (Massachusetts) states that the Radio Marine intercepted distress calls from an unidentified ship which was sinking after having been shelled by a submarine in the South Atlantic. A Valparaiso message reports that the master of the Chilean steamer Fresia says an unidentified submarine halted his vessel on Wednesday off the Chilean coast, but the Fresia was not molested after the submarine had ascertained its identity. A COURTEOUS COMMANDER CHEERED BY SHIP’S CREW LONDON, Sept 15. Patrick Walsh, a member of the crew of the tanker British Influence, has reached Cork. He said the submarine commander was a perfect gentleman. The submarine stood by for five hours. It called the attention of the Ida Baake and remained until all the crew were nicked up. “When we were aboard,” he said, “we gave him three cheers, and the submarine’s crew reciprocated. Our ship Was hit after we put off and sank in 20 minutes.” SUBMARINE SURPRISED CAPTURED “ACCIDENTALLY ” LONDON, Sept. 16. (Received Sent. 17, at 9.30 p.m.) The Daily Mail states that a German submarine was captured “ accidentally ” when it came to the surface a few hundred yards from a British destroyer. The destroyer trained its guns on the U-boat, which surrendered and was towed to port. FURTHER SINKINGS INTERNATIONAL LAW VIOLATED LONDON, Sept. 16. (Received Sept. 17, at 8 p.m.) It has been officially stated that the Anglo-American tanker Cheyenne was sunk and the crew rescued by the Norwegian steamer Idabakke. The Ministry of Information states that the Vonopstal was sunk as the result of enemy action, either by a torpedo or from the action of a mine. There were no British mines near the spot. Whatever the method of sinking the enemy violated international law. The captain stated that the ship carried eight passengers and 49 of a crew. Seven were injured. The ship broke clean in half as the result of a terrific explosion. The Greek steamer Atlanticos, which picked up some, stated that it saw a submarine.