THE DESTRUCTION OF THE "EMDEN."

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 150, 25 February 1916, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE "EMDEN."

lien tlic present war broke nut in If 14, the "Emden," under Captain von Mullor, was stationed at Tsing-tau, hut managed to a lip away before the port was besieged. Owing to a strong Brit sli squadron being in the Pacific, nothing was heard of the "Emden" until the second week of September, when blie appeared in the Bay of Bengal, and sank five merchant ships in one day. On September 22 she fit-earned up to Madras Harbour, and shelled the oil tanks, some damage being done, and two men and a boy killed. During the next few days live more ships were sunk. By this tinui a considerable number of Altied warships were trying to round up the adventurous raider, but several weeks elapsed before Captain lluller was run down. On October 28 the "Einden,'' by hoisting an additional dummy funnel, entered I'enang Harbour, and sunk the Russian cruiser "Jemchug" while at anchor. Thirty miles from Penaug tho niiiv'l French destroyer "Mousquet" was also sunk. On November 9 tho "Emden" appeared off the Cocos Keeling Islands, and landed men to destroy the 'wireless station, bat vflhcn tho operator sighted the ship lis sent out calls for help, and H.M.A.S. "Sydney" answered the call, being about 100 miles away. In two hours the "Sydney"' came in sight, and a terrific bombardment ensued; the bigger guns of the "Sydney" soon played havoc with the decks of Che "Emden," and in one hour and forty minutes she grounded on the beach of North Keeling Island, and hoisted the white flag. Of tho "Emden's" crew 119 were killed, and 14") taken prisoners, including Captain Mul'er, the commander. Altogether the " Emden " sunk or captured 21 steamers, of the of £650,000, with cargoes worth £3,000,000. If all tho Germans waged war in the same manner as Captain Mullcr their country might remain on some terms of friendship with her enemies when the war is <.vcr, for during his career not a single life was sacrificed through the sinking of a merchant ship. The dectruction of the "Emden" is one of the most memorable feats of the war, as tho great commerce routes of the East Were thereby relieved of an unwelcome >ntruder.