BOMBARDING THE BELGIAN COAST

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2437, 16 April 1915, Page 5

BOMBARDING THE BELGIAN COAST

HOW THE GERMAN PLANS WERE UPSET (Rec. April 15, 6 p.m.) London, April 14. The Press Bureau publishes Admiral Hood's report respecting tho flotilla's bombardme.it . f the Belgian coast in October and November. The report shows that 28 British warships were engaged, includi.-ig two submarines; and also five French destroyers. During the' first attack, which was : organised to prevent the Germans going to Ostead and Nieuport, a brisk shrapnel fire bespattered the warships. The Amazon was badly holed on the water-line, and sent to England for repairs. The presence of the ships, caused alterations to the enemy's plans. Less troops were seen and mere heavy guns were mounted on the sand dunes. The monitors then returned to England, and S.M.S. Venerable and several of the older cruisers replaced them. In consequence of the enemy's heavjer guns, the casualties to the flotilla increased. The Falcon .was badly hit while guarding the Venerable against submarines, while the Wildfire and Vestal were badly holed.

The enemy's submarines were seen and torpedoes fired at them. When it became apparent that the rush of the enemy to the coast had been checked the -bombardment, ceased. Many of the ifficers and meu are specially commended. Able Seaman Dimmock, of the Falcon, finding himself the only person uinvounded on deck, went to the helm immediately and conned the ship. Seaman Sturman, of the Mersey, although wounded by shrapnel, continued to serve the guns. Seaman Knott, of the Brilliant, when all the men of his gun had been killed or uounded, and ho himself had been severely wounded, still endeavoured to tight hi 6 g™~ ("Times", 'fliid Sydney Sun oervice.)