HISTORIC SEA FIGHT

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12607, 18 November 1926, Page 12

HISTORIC SEA FIGHT

HOW THE CARMANIA SANK THE CAP TRAFALGAR Just over twelve years ago, on September 14th, 1914, took place the historic fight between the two armed merchant cruisers Carmania and Cap Trafalgar—historic because it was the first time that modern armed merchantmen met in action on the high seas. H.M.S. Carmania mounted eight 4.7-inch quick-firing guns of old pattern, and was commanded by Captain Noel Grant, R.N. The German Cap Trafalgar was at Buenos Aires when war was declared. In fine, sunny weather, with a moderate north-easterly breeze Carmania found Cap Trafalgar, ■ coaling from two colliers off the lonely island of Trinidada. At a distanoe of 8500 yards Carmania put a shot across the bows of Cap Trafalgar, who at once opeDed fire with all guns, and tile action commenced. The range closed rapidly to 4500 yards, and, both ships using all guns, the fight became extremely hot. Most of tho German shots went high, and the funnels, boats, ventilators, and upper works of Carmania were soon, riddled. A STERN CHASE The Cap Trafalgar was heavily hit about the hull and- caught fire in her fore part. But still the distance between the two great ships became less, until they were only 3500 yards—about two land miles—apart. At these close quarters the rapid fire of the German pom-poms began to tell heavily against Carmania, her fore bridge was set on fire, and she suffered many casualties. Captain Grant turned his ship round so as to open to a range more suited to his heavier metal, but by this time Gap Trafalgar had had enough, and she tried to use her extra speed to escape. The last part of the action thus developed into a stern chase—both ships badly on fire and using every gun that would bear. But the cnil of Cap Trafalgar was near. She developed a list to starboard, which became gradually worse, and at 1.50 p.m., after two hours’ fighting, she suddenly turned to port, capsized, and went down by the head, with her colours flying. i Nor was tile case of Carmania much better. The ship was not sinking, hut she was burning furiously, and Captain. Grant had all he could do to savo could not go to the assistance of the survivors. In this sorry plight she was found by H.M. ships Bristol and Cornwall, nnd was escorted to Gibraltar. The survivors from the Cap Trafalgar were picked up by one of the German colliers. This action freed the South Atlantic of a formidable menace, and frustrated the German design to use Trinidada as a centre of operations against our trade. It called from the Admiralty a well-deserved messnge of praise to Carmania, which reads.— “Well done—you have fought n fine action to a successful finish.'’