ON THE SEA.

Taihape Daily Times, 6 July 1918, Page 5

ON THE SEA.

TIGHT WITH A SUBMARINE. A THRILLING STORY. LONDON, July 4. A thrilling story is told of a British steamer’s fight with one of the latest type of U-boats. A torpedo passed under the steamer’s stern. A periscope was revealed fifty yards away. Three hundred passengers calmly took up boat 'stations. The submarine broke the surface a quarter of an hour later, training two light guns on the steamer, which rCiplied_ Six shots fell near the submarine, compelled her to sheer off. She manoeuvred to bring two heavy g)uns into action. A shell struck the steamer causing her to list to port. A smoke screen proved ineffective owing to the wind. The engineers got the most possible out of the engines. In a running fight, during which the merchantman’s aerials were shot away, the passengers coolly watched the fight, and cheered the sailors and gunners, The submarine abandoned the fight at nightfall.

GREAT NAVAL HELP.

LONDON, July 4

Admiral Sims, speaking at on AngloSaxon meeting, emphasised the AngloAmerican naval friendship. America had at present in European waters 250 vessels with 3000 officers and 40,000 men, who were serving from the White Sea to the Adriatic. During the coming year over treble the present number of destroyers would be fighting for the Allies, while over 150 submarine chasers would soon be doing duty in the Avar zone, of which half were already here. A MATTER OF COURTESY. LONDON, July 4. In the House of Commons, Lord Robert Cecil said that Britain pre. sented a few aeroplanes to Chili for courteously agreeing to sell Britain a Chilian battle-cruiser which is now building in Britain. o •■;.! BRITISH TO ESCORT HOSPITAL SHIPS. LONDON, July 4. In the House of Commons, Mr Bonar Law said the Llandovery Castle car ried no ammunition. The German allegation, that she was sunk by a British mine was self-contradictory. Survivors actually communicated with the German submarine.

The Admiralty is considering providing an escort for every hospitat ship.