GREAT NAVAL HUNT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 December 1943, Page 3

GREAT NAVAL HUNT

THE SINKING OF THE SCHARNHORST

By the Battleship Duke of York, Cruisers and Destroyers FULL STORY TOLD BY ADMIRALTY KING’S MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATION LONDON, December 28. The Admiralty told tonight the full, dramatic story of how the German battleship Scharnhorst was sunk, in an action m which the British battleship Duke of York took part. The action opened in the half-light of the Arctic dawn on Sunday, when a North Russia convoy was sailing through the channel between Norway and Bear Island. In close support was a cruiser force, comprising the Belfast, Norfolk and Sheffield. Another formation under the command of the Commander-in-Ohief of the Home Fleet was ready to meet any attack by German ships based in Northern Norway. It consisted of the 35,000ton battleship Duke of York, the cruiser Jamaica and four destroyers. The Scharnhorst was spotted in the half-light steaming towards the convoy at 28 knots—her full speed. The convoy was directed northwards and the cruiser squadron opened up on the Scharnhorst. One hit was claimed by the Norfolk. The Scharnhorst turned about and was later seen taking evasive action at full speed. Several hours later the Scharnhorst was again seen trying to close with the convoy and was again engaged by the cruiser squadron. The Norfolk claimed another hit The Scharnhorst turned south and made for the Norwegian coast at full speed. Throughout the afternoon, cruisers and destroyers continued to shadow her and report her position to the Duke of York, which was moving up from the south. When darkness was closing in at 12.15 p.m., the Duke of Yoik made contact with the Scharnhorst and swept round to bring a full broadside to bear. She quickly got a hit. The Scharnhorst turned towards Norway in an effort to escape and was seen steaming eastwards at maximum speed with the British forces in pursuit. DESTROYERS STRIKE HOME There was a danger that she might escape the Duke of York and destroyers and a Norwegian ship raced ahead of the enemy ship, turned in and, practically unsupported, launched a torpedo attack. Three torpedo hits were scored and the Scharnhorst’s speed was reduced, enabling the Duke of York to close the range and engage her again. Soon afterwards, the Scharnhorst was seen to be on fire and nearly stopped. The cruiser Jamaica finished her with a torpedo and at 7.45 p.m. the Scharnhorst went down, 60 miles off North Cape. Some survivors of the crew of 1,400 were picked up. The Norfolk, which received one hit aft, and a destroyer had a few casualties and suffered minor damage. The King has sent the following message to the Commander-. in-Chief: “Well done Duke of York and all of you. lam proud of you.”