EPIC ACTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 132, 6 March 1940, Page 5

EPIC ACTION

H.M.S. ACHILLES v. GRAF SPEE LOCAL RATING'S DESCRIPTION '"There was someone 'way up above,' higher than the captain, looking after us that day," said .Leading-Seaman T. McGougan in describing the River Plate action to a BE'ACON representative yesterday. Leading-Seaman McGougan, a former Taneatua boy, together with Bugler A. F. Wheeler of the Royal Marines, is at present staying Avith his sister, Mrs Walter Armstrong, of Haig Street. "We had just completed what is known as 'dawn action stations* an every-day routine," said LeadingSeaman McGougan, "and I had climbed into my hammock, when 'action stations' was again sounded. Some of the chaps were shaving and some even were in the baths, but within four minutes we were at our guns and firing at Graf Spec" Being in charge of the ammunition lobby serving 'B' turret, Lead-ing-Seaman McGougan was not in a position to observe the whole action, but during lulls in the fighting he had the opportunity of seeing the Graf Spee, sometimes at close range, and also saw the Exeter hit. This was marked by a flash of flame as an eleven inch shell exploded in the cruiser. Seven such shells found their mark on the Exeter. Long Action. Commencing at about 6.20 a.m. the action continued until about !) p.m., when the Graf Spec finally made the shelter of the river and Montevideo. Commenting on the Graf Spec's gunnery, Leading-Seaman McGougan saicl that it was remarkably good, the Achilles at one time experiencing an intensive straddling and many shells falling in the cruis e rs wake. The captain and the 'someone higher' prcA r iously rel'eired. to Avere responsible for the Achilles escaping serious damage. The Achilles, like the Ajax, had to close the range in order to make the six-inch guns effective and this enabled the Graf Spee to bring her 5.9's to bear. Incidentally, these guns fire a shell of approximately the same weight as the Achilles main armament, so that the British light cruisers came under additional lire. The Achilles' gunnery at a range suited to her armament Avas superior to the Graf Spce's and several hits Avere registered. A factor assist ing the German 'pocket' battleship AAas her manouvreability and the fact that she could tAvist and turn like a motor-boat made her a difficult target. Sleeping by the Guns. TII3 crcAV of the Achilles spent anxious days Avaiting for the Graf Spee lo leave Montevideo and during that time the only sleep they enjoyed AA T as an hour or tAvo taken when opportunity offered. The men slept by the guns, ready for action. The strain of AA r aitdng, said Lead-ing-Seaman McGougan, Avas far worse than the battle, and it Avas a relief to find that the German battleship had been scuttled. A A\ r onderful reception was accorded the Achilles Avhen she visited Buenos Aires shortly afterwards and the crew AA r ere entertained and feted by the British Patriotic Society.