U-BOAT SETS NEW STANDARD OF BRUTALITY

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 1, 2 January 1940, Page 8

U-BOAT SETS NEW STANDARD OF BRUTALITY

Defenceless Seamen Attacked With Shrapnel (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Dec. 29The full story Is now revealed cf the sinking in the Bay of Biscay of the British steamer Uskmouth, which, after dodging three torpedoes fired without warning, was fired upon by a U-boat from close range under circumstances which constitute it one of a most brutal attacks on merchantmen ever made, even by German submarines. The naval authorities attribute the subsequent fury displayed by the crew of the U-boat to the annoyance they felt at the loss of three torpedoes, for a submarine can carry only a limited number, and the journey back to bases for supplies is both long and hazardous. It was nearly 11 o’clock on a clear night when the officer of the watch saw a torpedo track passing close ahead or the ship. The Uskmouth’s helm was at once put over, and, as the ship was swinging, the track of a second torpedo passed close to her bows. Then, as the Uskmouth was still swinging under her helm, the track of a third torpedo was seen. This passed astern of the Uskmouth. The prompt use of the helm had enabled the merchant ship to dodge three torpedoes fired without warning, but she was not to escape. The U-boat opened fire with her guns at a range of only about 300 yards. Not only did the U-boat begin shelling while the crew of the Uskmouth were getting to the boats, but the Germans fired high and used shrapnel. The U-boat captain appeared to be determined to cause as many casualties as possible among the defenceless merchant seamen. The port lifeboat was damaged by ihellfire. A shell cut one of the falls of the boat, and the boatswain, who was in this boat getting it ready for lower ing, was thrown* into the sea. Another shell, bursting over the upper deck, killed the third officer and one of the seamen. The chief officer tried to go to the aid of the fallen men, but another shell burst overhead and wounded him in the head. Meanwhile, the remainder of the crew succeeded in lowering the starboard boat and getting into it. Blinded with blood, the wounded chief officer just succeeded in reaching this boat That lifeboat with 22 men on board, pulled away from the ship while the submarine continued shelling. Not only had the U-boat deliberately set herself to Inflict casualties on the Uskmouth’s crew as they were abandoning ship, but at no time war any attempt made to ensure the safety of those in the lifeboats. They were left to fend for themselves In an open boat 120 miles from land. By magnificent seamanship, the lifeboat sailed nearly 120 miles at a speed of nearly six knots, and had actually sighted land before being picked up by the Italian motor-vessel Juventus. Before abandoning the Uskmouth, the wireless operator had succeeded in getting out SOS signals. These were picked up by a French warship about 85 miles away. It dashed at full speed for the position given, and found the boatswain of the Uskmouth alive in thr* water. The warship did not stop at once to pick him up, for therfe was a good chance of being able to sink the U-boat. It therefore dropped a raft close to the man and rushed on to attack the Üboat. After doing so, the French warship returned and picked him up.