AGAINST ODDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 November 1941, Page 6

AGAINST ODDS

BRITISH NAVAL SUCCESS IN MEDITERRANEAN

DESTRUCTION OF AXIS CONVOYS

EFFECTED BY LIGHT FORCES.

IN FACE OF HEAVY CRUISERS.

(British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 12.20 p.m.) RUGBY, November 9. An Admiralty communique

states:: “Two convoys of enemy ships were annihilated in the Central Mediterranean, and severe loss was inflicted upon their escorts, in a brilliant and determined action by his Majesty's ships.

“On Saturday afternoon, an enemy convoy consisting of eight supply ships, escorted by destroyers, was sighted south of Taranto by Maryland aircraft on reconnaissance. A patrolling force, consisting of.the cruisers Aurora (Captain W. G. Agnew, R.N.), and Penelope (Captain A. D. Nicholl, R.N.), and the destroyers Lande and Lively were directed to intercept. These forces, under the command of Captain Agnew, made contact with the enemy at about one a.m. on Sunday morning. It was then found that a large convoy of eight supply ships, escorted by destroyers, was being joined by another convoy of two supply- ships, escorted by two destroyers, the operation being covered by two powerful 10,000-ton cruisers. “Despite the disparity of forces, Captain Agnew immediately engaged. Nine of the ten enemy supply ships were set on fire and sunk, one, an ammunition ship, blew up. The tenth, a laden tanker, of about 10,000 tons, was blazing furiously and was still burning ten hours later and is considered to be a total loss. One Italian destroyer was sunk and another was at least seriously damaged One destroyer was seen to be in tow today. No casualties or damage were sustained by our ships. While returning, our ships were attacked by enemy torpedo-carrying aircraft, but the attack • was ineffective and Captain Agnew’s forces reached harbour entirely unscathed from their brilliant exploit.”

The British Prime Minister, Mr Winston Churchill sent a message of congratulations upon this most important and timely action, which has gravely interrupted the enemy supply line to Africa and impeded the threat of an offensive in the Nile Valley. The message added: “Please convey congratulations to all concerned.”