WITH THE FIGHTING SHIPS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2298, 4 November 1914, Page 5

WITH THE FIGHTING SHIPS

THE LOSS OF THE HERMES NARRATIVE OF A SURVIVOR London, November 2. . A survivor from the Hermes (which was torpedoed and 6imk by-a German submarine) states that the cruiser lia'd reached mid-channel when there was a tremendous crash and a shower of splinters. The crew was thrown . down so violently that many sustained broken limbs. The first to qiedo struck tbe port en-gine-room, and twenty-four minutes later a second torpedo was seen coming from a- different quarter. Before the Hermes could manoeuvre she was struck amidships/:

While the crew were.being taken off the third torpedo missed her hows narrowly. Forty of the crew are missing.

LESSON OF "THE LOSS. . ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" -Serrleei.) I (Reo. November 3, 3.15 p.m.) London, November-2. "The Times," in a leading article, observes that tho lesson of the loss of the Hermes is that "our lines of rimmunication with France are by no moans safe, as in the early dayß of the war.; The enomy, by the use of submarines and mines diminished to ,some, though not vital, extent, the safe conditions wo sought to maintain at sea. We continue to achieve the main object; ■ but at some cost and increasing risk. "Our strategy compels pur. ships ;to remain at sea. We must expect more of these losses, and take them calmly, remembering that tho losses aro being steadily made good to,an extent which still maintains our relative superiority in naval strength. We know that our Navy is. invincible." •• :; , . THE RAIDER KARLSRUHE. MISCHIEF IN THE SOUTH .'. , ATLANTIC. London, November 2. v . It is reported by Lloyd's that the German cruiser Karlsruhe sunk three steamers in the South Atlantic. Lloyd's reports that there has been some reinsuring of the Remuera (cabled "Rumera"), which left Wellington for London on September 24 last. DETAILS OF THE MISCHIEF. (Rec. November 3,',11;45 p.m.) | . '-.-.'. London, November 3. Lloyd's agent at Para (Brazil) reports that the German, steamer Asuncion has landed the passengers and crews of the steamers Vandyck, Hursti dale, and Glantcn, captured by the oruiser Karlsruhe,

The enemy'B light cruiser Karlsruhe (4820 tons, 12 4.lin. guns, 27 lmots), is raiding principally in the South Atlantic, and has already accounted/for 11 vessels—the Maple. Branch, Highland Hope, Indrani, Rio Iguassu, Farn, Maria do Larrinaga, Cervantes, Cornish City, Pruth, Condor, and Lynrowan. Particulars of her latest victims.are as fellow:— ! M

Vandyck—' 10,328 tons, twin-screw, built in 1911 by Clark,,and Co. for the Liverpool, Brazil, and River Plate Steam Navigation Co., Ltd., and registered at Liverpool. Hurstdale—27s2 tons, built is 1902 by Austin and Son, of Sunderland, for \V. Cory and Son, Ltd., and registered at London. '■ I Glanton—Bo2L tons, built in 1894 by Ropner and of Stockton,: for Steel, Young, and Co., and registered at London.

AUSTRALIAN NAVY'S WORK. COMPLIMENTS ; FROM-ADMIRAL" •• . HENDERSON. Melbourne, Novembers. Admiral'Stt Reginald Henderson (who reported on the naval defence of Australia), writing to Senator Pearce (Minister of Defence), expressed the opinion that the Australian Navy is doing good wcrk. Undoubtedly Germany is beginning to feel the gradual pressure of Britain's sea power. The Navy was right in not taking'risks until the German IJleet came out. NORTH SEA CLOSED; OWING TO GERMAN MINIS. (Rec. November 8, 11.46 p.m.) y; London, November, 8, morning.' : Owing to indiscriminate mine-laying by the Germans, the Admiralty-, has dosed the North Sea. - '"