On the Sea.

Taihape Daily Times, 29 May 1918, Page 6

On the Sea.

• ‘FIGHT WITH SUBMARINE. CHASER RAMS THE ENEMY. London, April 4. Lieutenant J. W. L. Stubbs, R.N. of Auckland, one of the unnamed heroes of a naval incident described in the Yachting Monthly, -was mentioned in despatches last month for ils part in the sinking of a submarine in the Channel. The narrative, which is written by Lieutenant-Commander Harry Vandervell, R.N.V.R., states that a group of very fast submarine chasers was conducting a convoy 30 miles from Lieutenant Stubbs’ boat was a mile and a-half from the leader of the convoy, when suddenly, emerging from a thick bank of mist, she saw the form of a submarine only 70 yards ahead in the act of submerging slowly. Without a moment’s hesitation the officer commanding ported his helm and dashed full speed for the spot, at the came time preparing to attack with gun and depth charges. As only the top of the conning tower was visible the great length of the submarine was Hot realised, and before the patrol boat could manoeuvre she had run right across it at a speed of 18 knots, strikit -with her after-part with such force that both propellers crashed and the engines stopped, while all hands were I flung along the deck. Lieutenant Stubbs, meanwhile, had bwung his gun round to starboard, and fired a parting shot at the submarine ias she disappeared. It was at once evident that the chaser was likely to sing. Then unexpectedly the “Sub.” lose to the surface 50 yards away, evidently in difficulties, as only a curve was showing above water. This disposed of the first impression that she Was coming up to fight under which belief the chaser fired sis rapid shots, several of which were folowed by explosions. “After this,” the officer submitted cautiously, “the submarine submerged or sank rapidly.” The chaser was settling down by the stern, and a skiff was lowered to take the crew off, hut a trawler arrived in response to the 5.0.5., and with two other chasers, took her in tow. The thin bulkhead kept the water from flooding the engine-room, and the auxiliary engine was kept going at full-speed on the bilge pumps. Pour and a-half hours of careful navigation ■brought the patrol boat into harbour SO miles away. The Lords of the Admiralty ered the submarine to he either badly damaged or destroyed, since the convoy was not subsequently attacked, and they approved an award of £louo to those aboard the motor launch. The officer commanding, also belonging to the R.N.V.R., was awarded the D b.C., and Lieutenant Stubbs was menlioncd in the Gazette.