WAR STORY

Hokitika Guardian, 3 December 1928, Page 8

WAR STORY

OF GERMAN NAVY

ADMIRAL SCHEEIL AND KAISER

AMSTERDAM, November 30

Tliu “Telegraf” publishes a remarkable story of how. when the German fleet was ordered to attack the British in October, 1918. Admiral Scheer (whose death was cabled on 20th November! only argued if the Kaiser accompanied him in the flagship and assumed nominal command. Naval chiefs and also Mindenburg supported Scheor and Tirpitz, emphasising that the Kaiser’s presence in the fleet would rally all sections to the throne. Admiral Scheor thereupon went to Berlin where the Kaiser was delighted with the idea. He said: ‘‘l cannot conceive a more nobler death than at the head of the fleet in a last glorious attempt to defend our freedom and honour.” Admiral Scheor went to Kiel to complete arrangements but just before he

was due to sail the Kaiser sent a message that lie had decided not to accompany it. but insisting on the fleet’s sailing. Schcer tore up and burnt the message in order to prevent the Kaiser’s “confession of cowardice” over becoming known. He announced that lie refused to sail and insisted and ■ eeupied Kiel, wherewith the revolt In the navy began. Scheor informed the Minsiter of Internal Affairs that lie intended to occupy Kiel until a now government was established. He added that the following inscription could be placed on the grave ol the fleet: “ She chose, disgrace, rather than light the battles of a coward.”