THE DESTROYER FIGHT IN THE CHANNEL.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1917, Page 1

THE DESTROYER FIGHT IN THE CHANNEL.

.-C9ns BOUNTY MONEY FOR BROKE AND SWIFT. In the Admiralty Prize Court, Sir Samuel Evans recently heard an application for prize bounty for jhe sinking of two German torpedo-boat destroyers in the Straits of’Dover, on the night of April 20, by officers who are both sons of members of the Bar. One was Commander Edward Russell Garth Ratcliff Evans, C. 8., D. 5.0.. of South I’ole fame, now capt ain of the Broke (a. son of Mr Frank Evans, of Lincoln’s Inn, one of the bestknown and most popular counsel at the Bar). The other was Captain Ambrose Maynard Peck, D. 5.0., in command of the Swift (a son of the late Mr Jasper Peck, of Lincoln’s Inn, and brothee of Dir W. A Peck, of the Chancery Bar). -Mr Frank Evans was present in court dining the hearing of the claim, which was made by another counsel who is an officer in Hie Navy, viz , Commander Maxwell Anderson.

The encounter occurred three miles E.S.E. of the South Goodwin light vessel. A flotilla of six enemy “T.B.D.’s” was observed, and the Swift and Broke, at once engaged them. Two of the enemy flotilla were desiroyed and sunk, and ihe others fled. From prisoners it, was ascertained that the German vessels were the G 85 and the G 42, carrying complements respectively of 9G and 95.

Commander Anderson said the case leceived a good deal of attention at the time. One ol the German vessels was rammed and the other was torpedoed, after ; an act of treachery. The Broke, partially-dis-abled, ran alongside a German destroyer whose crew were lining the decks shouting "Save! Save! Kamerad !” As the Broke approached the destroyer opened fire on her, hut was at- once torpedoed. 1 lie othei destroyer was rammed,- whilst the Swift was pursuing the flying vessels.

His Lordship said the evidence was that there were 191 persons on the fwo warshivs sunk ; and aceoidingK the prike_ bounty awarded would be £955.