NINETY U-BOATS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 August 1943, Page 3

NINETY U-BOATS

SUNK IN THREE MONTHS GREAT INCREASE IN ALLIED SHIPPING. BUT UNRELAXED EFFORT STILL NEEDED. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, August 14. At least 90 U-boats were sunk al sea (luring May, June and July—an average loss of nearly one a day. During 1943 Hie number of new ships completed by the Allies exceeded all the sinkings by over 3,000,000 tons. These highly- encouraging facts are given in the August monthly statement on Axis U-boat warfare, issued jointly by President Roosevelt and Mr Churchill. The statement says: “First, during July very poor results were obtained by the U-boats from widespread efforts against shipping. A steady flow of essential supplies on the greatest scale was conducted without molestation. and such sinkings as took place in these areas had an insignificant effect on the conduct of the war by the Allies.

“July was probably our most successful month, because the imports were high, the shipping losses moderate, and the U-boat sinkings heavy. “Secondly, during the descent upon, Sicily the armada of warships, troops, transports, supply ships and landing craft proceeded through the Atlantic and Mediterranean Waters with scarcely any interference. Large reinforcements have also been landed on that island.

“More than 2500 vessels were involved, and the losses are only about 50000 tons. On the other hand, the U-boats which attempted to interfere suffered severe losses.

“Thirdly, the offensive operations against Axis submarines have continued to progress most favourably in all areas. During May. June and July we sank at least 90 U-boats, an average loss of nearly one a day over that period. “Fourthly, the decline in the activities of the U-boats is illustrated by the following figures. In the first six months of 1943 the number of ships sunk per U-boat operating was only half that in the last six months of 1942, and only one quarter that in the first half of 1942.

“Fifthly, the tonnage of shipping in the. service of the United Nations continues to show a considerable net increase. During 1943 the new ships which have been conpleted by the Allies exceed all the sinkings from all sources by upwards of 3,000,000 tons. "Sixthly, in spite of this very favourable progress, it must be remembered that the enemy still has large U-boat reserves completed and under construction.

“It is necessary, therefore, to prepare for an intensification of the battle both at sea and in the shipyards and to use shipping with the utmost economy to strengthen and speed the general offensive of the United Nations: We can expect continued success only if we do not relax our efforts in any way.”