U-BOAT FINISHED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20088, 7 November 1939, Page 5

U-BOAT FINISHED

SURVIVOR’S STORY TERRORS FOR CREW DESTROYERS' WORK LONDON, Oct. 25. Vivid descriptions of the destruction of a German U-boat by a British destroyer are given in interviews by men who were in the destroyer and a member of the U-boat's crew.

These present a composite picture, revealing the experiences both of the hunter and the hunted.

Members of the crew of the destroyer said: —

“A flotilla, with .guns manned, depth charges ready and men kfeyed up, raced toward the submarine at more than 30 knots. When they arrived in the vicinity they slowed down and started quartering the ocean. Hunt Begins “Suddenly, up went the flag of one ship, signalling that the. scent had been picked up. Then the hunt began. Depth charge after depth charge flopped overboard, went down, and flung up huge spouts of spray. Mush-room-like hummocks of white water appeared, but no sign of oil or other indication of success.

"The jsenior commander ordered the ships to anchor, while the captains held a conference. A new plan was determined on. The destroyers spread out and restarted depth-bomb-ing ceaselessly. Presently, from a flurry of water, a submarine's bow reared up. Men made thejr exit from the conning tower. Some fell overboard. Others held up their hands. The destroyers rushed up, lowered boats, and rescued the entire crew, who were mostly bearded youngsters.” Thudding Depth Bombs The member of the ci'ew of the U-boat gave the following account ot ais ordeal: — “Propeller noises approached; then the first depth bomb thudded and shook the boat. The propeller noises increased, and we held our breath awaiting the. next explosion. It came, and then another, closer—much closer. The boat quivered, the lights all except one, went out, and water started coming in.

"We expected that the next bomb would “be the finisher, but the propeller noises passed over and faded in the distance. We oreautca our thanks and started to investigate the damage, hoping against hope that the attackers had drawn on permanently. Presently the propellers again approached, closer and closer; then came a depth bomb, so close that the explosion seemed to press in the hull. Final Explosion

“Another bomb, again closer, made the boat leap, and water spurted in everywhere. The next and final explosion put out the remaining light and listed the submarine heavily.

“The commander decided to go to the surface and give the crew a chance for life. The compressed air tanks, although leaking badly, had just sufficient pressure to blow the ballast tanks and bring up the boat.

"The crew was lined up beneath the conning tower hatch and the commander ordered. ‘Up you go. - The boat’s tilted-up bows aided us in the scramble outward, and I fell overboard, but was immediately picked up by the British destroyer which had struct, us. I was very grateful for a drink of rum, but most grateful for a sight of the sky."