SUBMARINE VICTIMS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1928, Page 1

SUBMARINE VICTIMS

DEAD CREW OF 1,55. ARRIVAL OF BODIES AT PORSTMOUTH. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Sept. 5. Silent homage was paid to-day at Portsmouth to the officers and men of the submarine Loo, which was sunk in Russian waters nine years ago. As is known, the Russian authorities this spring located tlie submarine lying in deep water near Kronstadt and the bodies of tlie crew were conveyed in the British merchant ship Truro to Heval, and there transferred to tlir British cruiser Champion, which brought them to Portsmouth.

Four submarines of the H class went out from Fort Blockhouse, the headquarters of the submarine flotilla, to meet H.M.S. Champion. Two of them took up positions on eacli side and with their colours at half-mast escorted H.M.S. Champion to the harbour entrance, where they fell behind hor. Colours were also flown at half-mast by all naval vessels and shore establishments at the port and on merchant craft, and flags were lowered on most of tile principal buildings in Portsmouth and Gosport. H.M.S. Champion made her way slowly to the dock and drew alongside the south railway jetty, where she was berthed. The work of transferring the coffins across the harbour to Fort Blockhouse began at sunset. The bodies will lie in state at Fort Blockhouse until Friday, when they will he taken for burial at Haslni Cemetery on a gun-carriage draped with the Union Jack. Bluejackets and a firing party will accord full naval honours at the funeral.