DRAMATIC WAR EXPERIENCE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 214, 4 June 1920, Page 7

DRAMATIC WAR EXPERIENCE

0 GERMAN. CAPTAIN SURPRISED.

Pilot Alfred Easton, who has been chosen for tho task of navigating tho Renown through Port Phillip liends, figured prominently in a dramatic incident of the war, which, owing .to tho censorship, was not recorded i at tho time, and has hitherto remained "unpublished (says the Sydney "Sun"). Several days after Britain had entered tho war, a German steamer from Hamburg, the captain of which was unaware of th'e outbreak of hostilities, appeared off Port Phillip Heads and signalled for a pilot. She was boarded by Pilot Baston, who refrained from acquainting the visitor with tho news. Meanwhile tho vessel proceeded safoly through the entrance, and was approaching a point off Portsea, where a naval launch was in waiting to place an armed guard on board. At this stage Pilot Easton, addressing tho German captain, said, "We'll slow down the engines to half-speed hero!" Knowing fiom experience, gained during tho many previous visits to tho port, that this was an unusual proceeding, tho German skipper asked, "Why, pilot, why?" Realising that lie could now no longer conceal tho news, Pilot Easton replied, ■ "Because, captain, Brii'oin and Germany aro at war." Obviously staggered at this sudden disclosure, tuid furious with rago at having been "trapped," as ho described it, tho German rushed to the steering wheel, with nil oath, and expressed his intention of "making a bolt for it," out to sea. again. "It's no use, captain," replied tho pilot, "those guns on Fort Nopcan aro fully trained upon your ship, and if you attempt to escape they will Rink her." This warning caused tho Gorman to abandon his feperato ircsolvo almost as quickly as it had been conceived, and to accop'c tho situation with as much philosophy as could reasonably bo expeoted. Fivo minutes later a detachment of bluejackets scrambled up tho liner's side from tho naval launch, and, taking possession of the vessel, hauled down' the Gomu.ii flag.