SUBMARINE MENACE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1881, 24 September 1918, Page 4

SUBMARINE MENACE.

SOLDIER’S INTERESTING

LETTER

A soldier, writing to Mr and Mrs S, Gumming, of Worksop Road, Masterton, gives an interesting account of a ’brush with submarine;:

Once through the Canal and touching for three days at Port Said, we commenced our voyage as one of a convoy of 3(5 large ships to cross the danger zone. Prom the first a keen look-out for enemy craft was kept, and we were protected hy nine destroyers and sloops, arranged about us. Submarines soon made their appearance, and live attacks were made on the convoy. 'Two days before our arrival the vessel right alongside of us, and only about 300 yards away, was hit by a torpedo, which passed right across our bows, missing us by about 30 feet. Panic reigned on board the stricken vessel. -Some Jumped overboard into the angry sea beneath, while others attempted to lower a boat full of passengers, hut the rope, at one side gave way and the occupants were precipitated into (he water. The torpedoed steamer dropped out of the line like a wounded racehorse, and the boats behind her put on speed and filled the gap as if nothing had happened. The explosion was terrific, and water was thrown to a great height, The ship immediately began to settle down by the head. Meanwhile the destroyers were busy looking for any sign of a periscope, and the other steamers put on speed and put as great a distance between them and the scene of the disaster as was possible. Two destroyers stood by our Avounded companion, and would probably look after the passengers. When she passed from our vision the was well down by the bows, and could not last long. Another day Ave suav a submarine bloAvn to pieces by anti-submarine devices from one of our destroyers. It Avas quite an experience to see destroyers really in action. There were between 7,000 and 8,000 troops among the convoy, but none of these suffered any loss. Two vessels left us at 10 o'clock one night to go into an Italian port. Both were shelled and sunk by submarines six hours after leaving us. One night I was on duty on the bridge, when, at 1.30 a.m., the alarm was sounded twice in quick succession from the mil' port side of the convoy. The formation was thrown into great confusion. Ail vessels switched on their side lights so as to pro\ T ide a guide for the fast-moving destroyers. The flagship changed her course, and left us tar behind. Ihe nearly hit us. while we in turn narrowly missed ramming the , iind had to whistle for her |o get out of I lie road. At 3.15 order was restored. At daybreak it was discovered that the was missing. It Avas not until afternoon that news was received that she had been taken into Malta in a damaged condition, and later it transpired that another convoy, all m darkness like ourselves, bad passed liirougli the edge of our convoy, resulting in a collision between the and some other vessel. One morning we passed nieces of broken lile-buats and a lifebuoy Moating in the sea, tierimps the remnants of a further tragedy. The Mediterranean is fairly alive with submarines, but our escorts give them no chances. Once a pcriseope is sighted a submarine is very lucky to escape, the met hods adopted being so effective. However, we at last arrived at Marseilles, and, my word, how excited everyone was at once more being close to dry ham! and safe.