NORTH SEA RAID.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1917, Page 2

NORTH SEA RAID.

GALLANT SEAMEN. fAUSTRALIAN & N.Z.'CABLE ASSOCIATION] CHRISTIANIA, Oct. 23. An officer, a survivor of- the Mary Rose, says the fighting Was exceedingly fierce. Both the German cruiserk concentrated their fire on the Mary Rose, and the bluejackets, with splendid courage and coolness, fought at the. guns until the turrets were below tlie surface. No man thought of saving himself until the decks were awash.

INHUMAN GERMANS

fAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

LONDON, Oct. 23

According to a message from Christiania the officers and men rescued from the Alary Rose state that after the sinking of the destroyer the Germans fired broadsides at the merchantmen sweeping away the upper structures, and killing the passengers and crews. The captain of One merchant vessel says that after the broadside his crew were ordered to the boats - which the German shells destroyed killing nine men. The rest returned to the steamer, when a number of shells struck her simultaneously breaking the vessel and killing all except the captain, who dived and was picked up later. Similar scenes were visible everywhere. Lifeboats signalled, and cried to the Germans, while to women waved white garments from the upper deck of* the sinking ship; but appeals were in vain.

NAVAL ENQUIRY. LONDON, Oct. 23. In the Huose of Commons, Mr. Geddis stated that Admiral Beatty would order a court-martial on the loss of the convoy as soon as the survivors were fit to attend. A naval enquiry, mentioned yesterday, would also be held immediately. It would deal with the general question of convoying, which the Admiralty was now reviewing owing to tfie loss of the convoy.