GERMAN VERSION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 December 1943, Page 3

GERMAN VERSION

SINKING OF SCHARNHORST HEAVY BRITISH WARSHIPS TAKE PART. BATTLE-CRUISER ENCIRCLED. LONDON, December 27. The only fresh details of the sinking of the 26,000-ton German battlecruiser, Scharnhorst, is a statement by the High Command of the German Navy. The Germans make no claim of having sunk any Allied ship. The reason for the continued silence about the details of the battle by the Allies, it is suggested, is that the convoy to Russia which the British warships were protecting is still on its way. In that case complete radio silence by the warships is essential. The German High Command states that the convoy was intercepted by German warships but visibility was limited. There was a screen of cruisers and destroyers but shortly after, heavy British warships also joined in and later further heavy forces came into the battle. After several hours of heavy fighting the Scharnhorst was encircled and sank at 7.30 o’clock in the evening. The other German ships taking part in the action did not suffer any losses.

A German communique repeats the German news agency statement on the loss of the Scharnhorst and states that Rear-Admiral Bey commanded the German naval force involved. Captain Hintze commanded the Scharnhorst.