The Story of U39.

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 25, 24 October 1918, Page 8

The Story of U39.

The story of U39 is a tribute to French endurance" «ml bravery. During the ni"ht of May 17-1S ono of the Algerian aviation stations received a signal from a convoy that they wore being attacked by a submarine. At daybreak two 'planes went out. When the 'planes reached the convoy Jhey saw the submarine half-submerged. She promptly "went under" at the approach of the 'planes. Petrol was giving out, nnd the 'planes made for an adjacent aviation station. The commander of this station sent up two other 'planes. Ihe weather was siill bad, with heavy squalls. They battled on, and reached the convoy just as one of the ships turned sharply as if avoiding torpedo attack The 'planes escorted the convoy for half an liour, when the submarine broke surface fivo miles 'away, heading towards 'the convoy. \

Tho 'planes were masked by clouds, and the wind prevented tho submarine's crew from hearing tho oncoming machines. One 'plane, commanded by Lieutenant Leray, and accompanied by Warrant Officer Baconin, rushed to the attack, and dropped bombs. Presently the bow of tho submarine shot out of the water, and a black patch of oil with bubbles appeared on the surface. Believhi"' the enemy was mortally hit. Lieutenant Leray pinned down (o identify some debris.' Just then the subnwrinn got an even keel, and the crew rushed on deck and opened fire. > The petrol of both 'planes was running out, and they were compelled to make fdr tho coast. More 'planes were sent out from the base. The submarine was still on the surface. She opened flro on the 'pianos, and zig-'zagged to avoid tho bombs that were being dropped. She got away, but was so badly damaged that she hod n> seek refuge in Cartiigena, where she is interned.