OCR Text |
Show SINKING OF A GERMAN SHIP Petrograd, Aug. 13. According to the latest unofficial accounts the Russian Rus-sian Baltic fleet inflicted heavy losses loss-es on the German battlo squadron near Oesel island yesterday. It stated that a largo German cruiser cruis-er Avas destroyed and several other warships severely damaged. Despite the heavy firing of tho German ships, the Russian vessels sustained no loss or serious Injury. Russian seaplanes again rendered Invaluable In-valuable servico in supporting the fleet. It is surmised that the enemy's purpose pur-pose was to reconnoiter the waters of the northern Baltic and, If possible, possi-ble, to bottle up the Russian fleet in the gulf of Finland and the gulf of Bothnia. So long as tho Russian warships are ablo to penetrate to the south it will be impossible for the Germans to provision Von Buelow by sea or to send transports for the Libau and Wlndau operations. Tho hostile fleet, therefore, must be regarded as a necessary adjunct to tho land operations between the Dvina and tho Nlemen. OeBel island Is at the mouth of and commands tho entrance to the gulf of Riga in the Baltic. |