On the Sea

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 19, 22 May 1915, Page 5

On the Sea

BATTLE IN THE BALTIC.

GERMAN OCCUPATION OF RICA.

Copenhagen, May 21

There are rumors in Sweden of a great naval battle between German and Russian vessels in connection with the German landing at Riga. It is also rumored that the Germans captured Riga.

Riga is a seaport at the head of the Gulf of Riga, in Russia, and is the centre of great shipbuilding and machinery manufacturies. It has a population of about 800,000, and the town is heavily fortified. More than half the population are Germans. The city was founded in the 13th century, and by reason of its commerce soon rose to eminence and became a member of Hanseatic League. It is situated about 150 miles from the German frontier. SEIZURE OF RICE CARGO. (Received 8.50 a.m.) Rome, May 21. A Greek cargo of two thousand tons of rice destined for Germany was seized at Naples. SUBMARINE OFFICERS DECORATED. The High Commissioner reports, London, 21st May, (7.35 p.m.) : A Victoria Cross has been awarded the Commander of Submarine Elo, a Distinguished Service Cross to two other officers, and a Distinguished Service Medal to every member of the crew, for operations in the Dardanelles in the sinking of gunboats and transports.

MISCELLANEOUS.

(Received 8.50 a.m.) London, May 21. Tlie Ophelia has been declared a lawful prize.

New York, May 21

The oil-tank steamer Cushing has arrived. The captain reports that a German aeroplane dropper! three bombs, and made a deliberate attempt 'to sink the vessel in order to murder the crew.

London, May 21

The French trawler Juse was torpedoed off Dartmouth. Thirteen of the crew perished.