A SAILOR’S TALE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1927, Page 1

A SAILOR’S TALE

OF A NAVAL ENGAGEAIENT.

BATTLE AT FALKLAND ISLANDS

Air A. P. Sharkey, of Itoss, writes: Airs Bullimorc, of Itoss, has given me permission to havo the enclosed letter from her son, Lieut. Gustavo Bnllimore, 8.N., published giving a graphic description of the groat naval battle at Falkland Islands, and destruction of the German Fleet ; the letter was written directly after the battle. Airs Bullimorc has kept it private ever since on account of censorship, now removed. This lady has three sons, Gustave, AVilfred and William, and all were in the Navy. The two brothers, Gustave and Wilfred were on the “Invincible” diming the Falkland Battle. Gustave was on lop of the tripocl mast of the battleship as Yeoman of Signals, an exposed and unenviable position; Wilfred, afterwards, was torpedo officer on the “Vindictive” and went down with his ship at the Battle of Jutland, when the warship was cut in two by tile German fire, and sank with all hands—only one man being saved of the entire crew. The third brother, AYilliam, served through the war, and is now employed on the Harbour Board dredge at Grcymouth. L am sure your readers will bo very much interested in Lieutenant Bullimore’s letter, as it recalls to memory one of the greatest exploits of the British Navy. H.M.S. Invincible, 10/12/14.

“Dear Afotlier,—Just a. few lines to let you know that we are safe and well after a bard tussle. AVc sighted the enemy at 7.30 a.in. whilst wo were coaling. T wont up the mast-head and made out all the ships—they wore our old friends from China. I knew them all and came on deck and reported them; then the Admiral gave us orders to prepare for action, and exactly two hours after we were all out to sea, and chasing the enemy who had turned tail and run. Some of our ships could not keep up hut we did not stop for them, so there were only two of us left to fight five. AVc were not long in breaking up their line, three of them turned away leaving the two biggest to fight us ami the “Inflexible.” Al.v word, they did give us beans for a time, hut it was no good, our Captain had given us orders we must sink them and to that end we settled. About 3.45 p.in. the “Seliarnhorst,” with Admiral von Snee, commenced to lice! over, and at 4 p.m. we took off our caps to her, and continued the fight with the “Gnciscnau,” which proved tougher metal. - They peppered us or made us like a pepper dredge, but wo made them give up, and at G o’clock our chaps gave a cheer and the lifesaving commenced. AVe have 81 men and 7 officers on board here. The total number saved from about 3000 was just over 200. Its rather hard lines on them, but they did not think of trying to save our fellows from the “Goodhope” or “Alonmouth.” T was on watch all the time from 4 in the morning till S at night, and made over 200 signals. T could not go down to see if Wilfred was alright hut lie came up to see me. I can tell you I was jolly glad (o see him and the news that we had none killed in the ship, or wounded, was bettor than anything else, considering the way we were holed. AVc go in harbour to-morrow* and I expect we shall soon leave for England again. 1 must come to a close now as it is getting late.—Gustave.”