BATTLE-SCARRED SHIPS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 97, 17 January 1918, Page 6

BATTLE-SCARRED SHIPS

BRITISH FLEET'S RETUKN AFTER \ ICTOIVI • The return to a home port of the British light forces after the "scrap in the Heligoland Bight, as it appeared to an American Congressman and some of his compatriots, is thus _ described by a representative ot JleuleSuddenl7sthe curtain of mist and spray was broken .by the form ot a be "icy ship looming up. More tollol<3, and then more-destioyers, battle cruisers, big men-of-war s ca - ina alow quite silently on the wateu. "nd then from the bellies of the ships at anchor, which were taking in coal, Sino men covered with coal dust, and instantly the grey scene was ahvewjh •blackened men in grey ships oheeiing. P °Sif si.ent and grini a!nd battle-scarred, comiiiK m perfect Cation through the ; ships at raj, ind as they passed each ship the dustwvcrcd crew raised tremendous cheers, cheers which were hurtled about in the gale. Here a. cap raised from the bridge covering, here an anil waved in recognition but absolute silence from the lighting, victorious force The sight of burnt paint am\ tha marks of shcli-iire, and tho muzzles ot the uncovered guns-yellow and bro-.vn and burnt sienna—told ol the tight; the once-experienced unforgettable smell of scorched paint and gunpowder was carried along on the wind; a mast heeling over a-little, thc-slwht, drag m the water, the suggestion a limp'spoke to this American of the contest. ■ ■ , . The Hagsbip comes m first, and is 'received by a rear of cheering, which the gale lifts up and flings to the e: rs of the onlookers, and she is followed by her complement of fighting craft ploughing their .way silently through the cheering crowds. Tho American Congressman, standing on tho deck of a. motor-launch, which swaved and swirled in the wash of the returning ships, held Ins hat at arm's length and cheered, with the tears streaming down his face.