SKIPPER’S V.C.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 January 1918, Page 4

SKIPPER’S V.C.

“ I’M DONE; THROW ME OVERBOARD.” For services in action with enemy’ submarines the following have been awarded the Victoria Cross : Lieut Charles Or Bonner, D.S.C., RN.R.

The second mystery V.C., whose “ consummate coolness and skill in action with an enemy submarine” gained him the honour, which Avas bestowed on him at Sandringham without any previous announcement.

P.O. Ernest Pitcher (selected for honour by' gun’s crew in one of H.M. ships). Skipper Thomas Crisp, R.N.R. (killed in action). Crisp was skipper of the smack Nelson. It had its traAvl out one afternoon in August, when the skipper, coming on deck, spied a submarine on the horizon.' “Clear for action,” he sang out. Everything Avas got ready and the gunlayer held his tire till the skipper said, “It is no use waiting any longer; we Avill have to let them have it.”

Away in the distance the submarine sent shell after shell at the smack, and about the fourth shot the shell went through the port bow just below the Avaterline. and then the skipper shoved her round. There Avas no confusion on board, not even Avhen the seventh shell struck the skipper, passed through his side, through the deck and out through the side of the ship.

The second hand at once took charge of the tiller and the firing continued. All the time water Avas pouring into the ship and she Avas sinking. One man, the gunlayer, Avent to the skipper to see if he could render first aid, but it was obvious that he was mortally Avounded. “ It’s all right, boy, do your best,” said the skipper, and then, to the second hand, “ Send a message off.” This was the message : “ Nelson being attacked by submarine. Skipper killed. Send assistance at once.” And all this time the smack Avas sinking and only five rounds of ammunition were left, and the second hand Avent to the skipper lying there on the deck and heard him say. “ Abandon sbip. Throw the books overboard.” He Avas asked then if they should lift him into the boat, but his ans Aver Avas, “ Tom, I’m done, throw me overboard.” He was in too bad a condition to be moved and they left him there on his deck and took to the small boat, and about a quarter of an hour afterwards the Nelson went down by r the head. The crew in the boat rowed all that night and next day, with a pair * of trousers and a large piece of oilskin fastened to t,Avo oars to attract i attention. Next day they were pickedL up.

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