TURKISH DEPRADATIONS IN THE RED SEA!

MERCHANT MARINE IN UPROAR AS LOSSES MOUNT!

SALUTE TO A DARING AND PLUCKY FOE!

Since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East the merchant traffic of the Red Sea has been severely disrupted by the actions of the Turkish Aquanef Fleet operating from the port of Aqaba. At the time of writing some ten vessels have been captured and forced to sail to Turkish controlled ports. Aside from the loss of these valuable vessels there is also the question of the cargoes. Many vital raw materials have found their way into the Turkish war machine; to the obvious detriment of the Imperial war effort. Our sources have ascertained that the chief culprit in these abhorrent affairs is the Turkish Aquanef: Karifs Bey. This vessel, recently acquired from the Germans is described as being a purpose built commerce raiding submersible; designed with long range and heavy armament in mind. The design caused some controversy a number of years ago and was described at the time by many informed sources as "being neither fish nor fowl; the design can outshoot that which it cannot outrun and outrun that which cannot shoot at it". Our own Naval Designers were dismissive at the expenditure involved in such a design and limited use it would find in time of war. It appears in the light of recent experience that such a design is in fact a very specialised weapon and our own forces have no obvious answer to it. Our sources within the Naval Establishment have conceded that in this aspect of the war at sea the Turks have gained a temporary advantage over our own forces - no doubt prompted by the machinations of the Hun whose intentions towards this sensitive region are well known – and until such time as countermeasures have been developed this vessel will continue to give cause for concern.

In a restrained communique from the Admiralty it was announced that the Red Sea is now officially deemed a total exclusion zone. As a result of this announcement any shipping other than our own vessels operating within strictly controlled convoys (the sailing times of which will be duly reported in the Lloyds List for insurance purposes), will be deemed to be hostile and treated accordingly. This announcement received very mixed feelings from the shipping industry – the larger companies welcomed the introduction of a regularised convoy system whilst the smaller organisations were somewhat dismayed, mainly on economic grounds. In conjunction with this the Red Sea Fleet has also been tasked with the engagement and destruction of the Karifs Bey as a matter of priority.

To this end, a squadron of the Royal Australian Navy has been detached from the Far East Fleet to provide assistance in the hunt. The squadron, consisting of three Aquanefs and numerous surface vessels, including the Fixed Wing Tender HMAS Woomera is currently en route from Sydney and is expected within the week. These vessels will be placed under the command of Admiral Seymour Brookes, the commander of the Red Sea Fleet and will provide a valuable reinforcement in the area. The Admiralty further announced that aerial patrols would be increased over the coastal regions and full-scale surface sweeps would be increased to reduce the threat posed by the Turkish vessel.

It is to be noted that as far as we are able to ascertain the Turkish Commander has acted within the accepted laws of war and of the sea. At no time have any lives been endangered and he has strictly observed the correct and formal interpretation of all of its terms and conditions. Indeed, it would be foolhardy to underestimate the prowess and ability of this commander (the name of whom has been withheld for reasons of security) and it will require the utmost efforts on the part of our armed forces to prevail against this Turkish man of war. He has revived the traditions and fortitude of the corsairs of old; of Barbarossa and Dragut themselves. With his daring and chivalry he has carved a new chapter in the annals of naval history and for as long as men sail and fight either on or under the sea his exploits will be revered by both friend and foe. If it would not be deemed an affront to our gallant servicemen it is the humble opinion of this august journal that we are facing, even across the havoc of war, a bold and resolute commander.
GOD SPEED THE GALLANT SEAFARERS FROM AUSTRALIA AS THEY ANSWER THE CLARION CALL OF THE MOTHER COUNTRY!

HERES TO YOU JOHNNY TURK – MAY YOUR DEMISE BE AS SPECTACULAR AS YOUR (SHORT) CAREER, YOUR PLACE IN THE ANNALS OF NAVAL HISTORY IS ASSURED.