GNEISENAU SUNK?

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 April 1940, Page 5

GNEISENAU SUNK?

NEW AND FORMIDABLE BATTLESHIP SUPPOSED LOSS IN OSLO FIORD. MAY HAVE BEEN MISTAKEN FOR BLEUCHER. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, April 12. “The Times” naval expert suggests that the Gneisenau, not the Bleucher has been sunk. There is no doubt a large warship was sunk in Oslo Fiord, but it is difficult to believe she was the Bleucher because the Germans are most unlikely to send an 8-inch gun cruiser against an 11-inch gun force. The latest estimate of German losses since the invasion of Scandinavia is three warships and one U-boat confirmed as sunk', and six others all reported sunk. In addition, 12 transports, nine merchantmen and two ammunition ships are reported to have been sunk. The Gneisenau was a 26.000-ton battleship of the newest type. She was laid down in 1936 and was the first German battleship built since the Great War unhampered by treaty restrictions. Consequently she was much more formidable oven than the Graf Spee class of pocket battleship. The Bleucher was a 10.000-ton cruiser built in 1936-37.

NAVAL BATTLE IN PROGRESS OFF TRONDHEIM. BOTH SIDES SUPPORTED BY AIRCRAFT. LONDON, April 12. Swedish sources report that a naval battle is in progress oft' Trondheim. Both sides are supported by planes. The sound of firing can be heard many miles inland. GERMAN REPORT (Receved This Day, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, April 12. A German day communique issued in Berlin states: “We repulsed an attack by British aeroplanes in the district ..of Trondheim. British land and sea forces tried in vain to penetrate Trondheim Fiord. We took over more coastal batteries at Trondheim and made them ready for action.