NAVAL LOSSES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 June 1942, Page 3

NAVAL LOSSES

IN MEDITERRANEAN CONVOY BATTLE ANNOUNCED IN HOUSE OF COMMONS. BRITISH & ENEMY SHIPS & AIRCRAFT. LONDON, June 23. British naval losses in the recent Mediterranean convoy action, Mr Attlee announced in the House of Commons were one light cruiser, four destroyers and two escort vessels. The R.A.F. and Fleet Air Arm lost 30 planes. The enemy losses actually known were one eight-inch gun cruiser, two destroyers and one U-boat. An enemy battleship was hit by torpedoes. At least 65 Axis planes were destroyed. It is also known, that R.A.F. torpedocarrying planes sank a medium-sized enemy merchant ship in the Central Mediterranean. Another merchant ship was hit and an escorting destroyer was probably hit. Our fighters shot down three out of a force of Axis planes which were trying to interfere. Our losses were . three torpedo-carrying planes. Detailing the naval operation for the reinforcement of Malta (a British Official Wireless message reports). Mr Attlee said the western convoy, under Vice-Admiral Curtis, was sighted and shadowed by enemy aircraft before reaching the Sardinia Channel. In spite of a violent air attack and an attack by two enemy cruisers and four destroyers, which were driven oft’, this convoy reached Malta, although with serious losses, in the early hours of June 16. During this passage 43 enemy planes were destroyed for certain and .22 probably, while many others were damaged. Our aircraft also attacked enemy cruisers and destroyers, claiming several hits. A large enemy destroyer was sunk by torpedo hits after suffering violent explosions amidships. The supply ships had been passed into Tobruk, the eastern convoy, under Rear-Admiral Vian, was steering toward Malta, on June 14, when our reconnaissance reported that two battleships of the Littorio class, four cruisers and at least eight destroyers were evidently attempting to bar the passage of the convoy. Avoiding action was accordingly taken. Meanwhile air striking forces were sent from the Western Desert and Malta to attack the enemy fleet. During these attacks, which developed on the morning of June 15, one of our submarines witnessed a direct hit by one of our planes on a 10,000-ton Trenton class cruiser, which was set on. fire and stopped. The submarine closed in and sank this cruiser with a torpedo. It is certain that one enemy battleship was also hit by a torpedo. During this day, the enemy main fleet crossed between the eastern convoy and Malta, but by nightfall the arrival of the western convoy was assured. Delay during the air attack on the enemy battle fleet resulted in an expenditure of fuel by- the eastern convoy which necessitated the return of this convoy to Alexandria. Full reports of the loss inflicted on the enemy Air. Force during its attacks on this convoy have not yet been received, but it is known that at least fifteen aircraft were shot down, by gunfire. Viscount Gort, Governor, of Malta, has expressed his appreciation on behalf of Malta, to the gallant men of all services who made possible the replenishment of the island’s supplies. He especially mentioned the Merchant Navy. The Government also expresses grateful thanks for the help rendered by American bombers who successfully took part in the action.