THE SPIRIT OF THE BIRKENHEAD

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3069, 3 May 1917, Page 5

THE SPIRIT OF THE BIRKENHEAD

HOW THE BALLARATS 'MEN FACED THEIR ORDEAL

The High Commissioner reports:— London, May 1, 7.15 p.m. The Admiralty states; —"The sinking of the Ballarat recalls stories of the v Southland, Tyndareus, and Birken- '' head. The Ballarat was tlis first I' troopship to carry Australians to Eng- 1 land after tho unrestricted submarine' " warfare began. The men were mostly 1 from Victoria. It was Anzae Day, v and the officers were planning a me- f morial service, when the. ship was 4 struck. Tho -'alarm' was sounded, tlfo 'advance' following. There was 1 no confusion, and the men fall into ' their rcspectivo stations. During the ' voyage the men had been told, stories ' of the behaviour of, the troops of the j Southland and the Birkenhead. "Sen who had condemned the boat ' drill now blessed it, and quickly took ' their places. They instinctively knew, that the Navy would turn up. It did. Destroyers and trawlers appeared as if by magic. The ship began to settle, bul did not sink for four hours, and while waiting for the boats tho men sang, played cards, and mostly smoked. Tile nurses and medical officers remained with their patients until they were safe in the boats. All the pets were saved, except some cats. There were no heroics, no fuss, but much humour, with absolute efficiency, and that was due partly to training and trust in the officers' skill in handling the ship. It was not courage, or bluff, but mainly British grit."