A Thrilling Exploit.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 25 April 1918, Page 3

A Thrilling Exploit.

HOW ZEEBRUGGE WAS

BLOCKED

AMAZING DEEDS OF

DARING,

Received 10.40 a.m. this day. London, April 24. Vice-Admiral Keyes states that the dramatic exploit of blocking Zeebrugge harbour with concrete laden obsolete cruisers to pz'event the exit of submarines has thrilled the nation and recalls the pluckiest feats of old-time cutting out expeditions.

The gunfire was heard on the British coast during the greater part of the night, and intense excitement prevailed at Dover ami Deal.

The survivors state they completely surprised the Germans and reached Zeebrugge harbour almost unobserved, though the first cruiser to enter rammed a German destroyer which was attempting to slip out >at high speed. The destroyer was cut amidships and sank like a stone.

Meanwhile the shore batteries caught a glimpse of the destroyer Vindictive and sent up star shells making the night like broad daylight. Every battery concentrated its fire on the attackers with shells of all calibre, including 17inch. The Vindictive got inside the mole and was chiefly damaged above the waterline owing to protection from the mole.

When the British marines and sailors landed the Germans shouted in one voice: "It's the Americans. It's the Yankees." The Germans bolted en masse from the nearest batteries, leaving the guns to the British.

Some British boats boarded German destroyers anchored in the harbour. These also were surprised. Some of the Germans hurried up the gangways wearing nightgowns. "Before they could reach the decks we tapped them on the heads with stout sticks which we carried in addition to our rifles. ' The German guns on the decks were covered with tarpaulins."

The sailors and marines on tie moles quickly destroyed the guns while the flame-throwers attacked the sheds and munition stores. Meanwhile the concrete laden cruisers reached the harbour and were sunk at the entrance.

Then the Vindictive picked up the landing parties and tried to leave the harbour. The escorting ships scarce believed it possible that a vessel so damaged could keep afloat, but the stokers were so enersyetic that the Vindictive came hack throwing 10-foot flames from her funnels and in perhaps the fastest time ever accomplished.

The survivors believe the raid also resulted in blowing up the lock gate at the entrance to the Bruges canal.