SUBMARINE WARFARE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 January 1918, Page 3

SUBMARINE WARFARE

THE LOST HOSPITAL SHIP. further details.

LONDON January 9. The Rcwa was sunk in the Bristol Channel, 550 wore aboard, indud.bg a complement of wounded. Excellent was maintained after the vessel ißLis struck in a calm sen. The nearness of hundreds of other vessels contributed to the rescue. The. boats were lowered and cot

cases safely disembarked. The vessel sank in seventy-five minutes, and within two hours all were picked tip. A member of the crew states fhey had just entered Bristol Channel after a had voyage, suddenly there was a terrific hang, and the crew were thrown out of .their bunks. The con-

,mission extinguished the lights and there was no time to save personal belyongisgs. Magnificent order prevailed * They had 250 wounded, and these were put first in the boats then the nurses, followed hr the passengers and crew. The weather was not cold. A tank steamer and a patrol boat took them to Swansea. We did not suffer much discomfort. OTHER. ACCOUNTS. LONDON January 9. Other accounts show that the Ger- . mans used the Red Cross as a target

and a torpedo passed clean through it. Lascars were probably killed by the explosion.. The ship was only travelling at four knots, and it was a. most effective shot. There was not a chance of saving the vessel. ** The men in the bunks were suddenly awakened and made a dash on deck. In other cases there was wild groping in the darkness for some, sort of cloth, ing Most of the survivors landed absolutely without clothing. BARRED ZONE EXTENDED. i AMSTERDAM, Jan. 1). ,

The “Nordentache” announces n fresh extension of the German barred zone. It. concerns hostile bases on the Capenonde Islands, and Bade Dakar in the adjoining coastal regions; also the barred zone at the Azores, which is extended to Madeira. Neutral vessels at present harbour-

ed in the zone will not he attacked if they proceed to the sea hv the shortest route by the 18th. ■ A sufficient period of grace will be allowed to neutral ships entering the zone unknowingly. THE REASON WHY. AMSTERDAM, Jan. 9. German newspapers, commenting on the extension of the barred zone for shipping, state that the extension is necessary because it is discovered that the enemy established points of support in places easily attainable by submarines. They also state that the extension of the southern frontier of the harried zone four thousand miles from Cuxhaven, proves the submarines’ increasing capabilities, and strengthens the German belief that submarines will ultimately decide the war. BRITISH LOSSES HIGH LONDON January 9. The Admiralty reports: Arrivals for the week 208.> Sailings 2144 Sunk, over 1600 ton 18 TTrwler I 800 ton 0

unuer row von ” Four vessels were sunk. Unsuccessfully attacked 11 FRENCH LOSSES. r AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASPOof ATlo>' ‘ & REUTER.] Received, this day at 8.45 a.m. LONDON January 10. French shipping; returns for the week were:— Arrivals ®57 Departures < I^2B Sunk over 1600 tons 1 Under 1600 tons nil Unsuccessfully attacked 4