BIG ENEMY LINER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 January 1942, Page 3

BIG ENEMY LINER

SUNK IN CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN Determined Air Attacks on Axis Convoy TAKING SUPPLIES TO NORTH AFRICA ESCORTING ENEMY WARSHIPS DAMAGED LONDON, January 25. A successful attack on one of the largest enemy convoys yet encountered in the Central Mediterranean is reported today. The convoy, which consisted of a 20,000-ton liner, three large merchant ships, a battleship, four cruisers, and fifteen destroyers, was sighted by reconnaissance planes in the Southern lonian Sea on Friday morning, bound for North Africa. The convoy was ceaselessly shadowed during the afternoon and in the first attack later bombs fell very near the battleship, which changed its course. Torpedo-carrying aircraft then took up the attack and scored a direct hit amidships on the liner, which stopped. A direct hit was also made on the stern of a destroyer and there was a violent explosion. Wellington bombers then attacked for hours and many bombs rained down on the ships. A warship, believed to be one of the cruisers, was also hit and a merchant ship set ablaze. The attack was made in face of an intense barrage. The finishing touches were given by more torpedo-carrying bombers, which scored two more hits on the liner. The whole convoy appeared to have come to a standstill. Next morning the convoy was seen steaming towards Tripoli at reduced speed, but there was no trace of the liner.