U-BOAT FURY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20133, 30 December 1939, Page 6

U-BOAT FURY

TORPEDO WASTE THREE MISS SHIP RESORT TO SHELLING USKMOUTH PUT DOWN SHRAPNEL FOR CREW DEPTH OF BRUTALITY (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 12.30 a.m. RUGBY, Dec. 29. The full story is now revealed of the sinking in the Bay of Biscay of the British steamer Uskmouth, of 2478 tons, which, after dodging three torpedoes which wore fired without warning was fired upon by the Üboat, from close range under circumstances which constitute one of the most brutal attacks on a merchantman ever made even by German submarines. Naval authorities attribute the subsequent fury displayed by the crew of the U-boat to annoyance felt at the loss of three torpedoes, for a submarine can carry only a limited number and the journey back to the bases for supplies is both long and hazardous.

It was nearly 11 o’clock on a clear night when the officer of the watch saw a torpedo track passing close ahead of the ship. The Uskmouth’s helm was at once put over and as the ship was swinging the track of a second torpedo passed close to the bows.

Then, as the Uskmouth .was still swinging under her helm, the track of a third torpedo was seen. This passed astern of the Uskmouth.

Fired Without Warning

The prompt use of the helm had enabled the merchant ship to dodge the three torpedoes fired without warning, but she was not to escape.

The U-boat opened fire with her guns at a range of only about 300yds. Not only did the U-boat begin shelling while the crew of the Uskmouth was getting to the boats, but the Germans fired high and used shrapnel. The U-boat captain appeared determined to cause as many casualties as possible among the defenceless merchant seamen.

The port lifeboat was damaged by shellfire and a shell cut one of the falls of the boat. The boatswain, who was in this boat getting it ready for lowering, was thrown into the sea. Another shell bursting over the upper deck killed the third officer and cne of the seamen. The chief officer tried to go to the aid of the fallen men, but another shell burst overhead and wounded him in the head. Meanwhile the remainder of the crew succeeded in lowering the starboard boat and getting into it. Blinded with blood, the wounded chief officer just succeeded in reaching this boat. That lifeboat, with 22 men on board, pulled away from the ship while the submarine continued shelling. CrCw Abandoned Not only had the U-boat deliberately set herseff to inflict casualties on the Uskmouth’s crew- as they were abandoning the ship, but at no time was ahy attempt made to ensure the safety of those in the lifeboats. They were left to fend for themselves in an open boat 120 miles from land. By magnificent seamanship, the lifeboat was sailed nearly 120 miles at a speed of nearly six knots and the men actually sighted land before being picked up by the Italian motor vessel Juvenilis. Before abandoning, the Uskmouth, the wireless operator succeeded in getting out SOS signals. These were picked BP by a French warship about 85 miles away. It dashed at full speed for the position given and found the boatswain of the Uskmouth alive in the water. The warship did not stop at once to pick him up for there was a good chance of being able to sink the Üboat. It, therefore, dropped a raft close to the man and, rushed on to attack the U-boat'. After doing so, the French warship returned and picked up the boatswain.