A STIRRING STORY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 213, 16 February 1915, Page 5

A STIRRING STORY.

TXIE ATTACK ON ZEEBRUGGE. AS SEEN FROM BRITISH CRUISER From the pen of the French writer, M. Arnould Gnlopin, who was fortunate enough to be on one of the British cruisers which took part in the_ bombardment of Zeebrugge, the Paris Journal publishes a description of operations. M. Cialopin describes how in a smack from Calais, he sidled up to the great grey cruiser lying off the Belgian coast and swarmed up a rope, to find himself on deck, face to face with the commander, an old yachting opponent of his ir Cowes Regatta. lie was evidently expected. The commander greeted the journalist, with a smile, and told him he had almost given up expecting him"But you are just in time," he added; "we are just off, and our expedition is of such a nature that it cannot be postponed. Make yourself at home on board, but mind I cannot be responsible for any breakages. You told me you wanted to see something, and I think you will be satisfied. Good-bye! We will have a talk when the job is over." The commander hurried up to the bridge, where he joined his second in command, Lieutenant ——, from Melbourne, also a yachtsman of whom the Australian squadron is justly proud. The squadron races along the coast in the inist at 27 knots, passing the dunes between Nieuport and Blankenberghe, where the heavy German guns are shattered. It flatters itself that the enemy has not seen its approach, when a destroyer signals

THE PERISCOPE OF A SUBMARINE about two miles away. Could it he the famous U2l bent on renewing its former exploits! Leaning over the rail, I waited events. I should not be telling the truth if I said I felt no emotion. I felt that the action was about to commence, but the sentiment that was uppermost in me was certainly not one of fear. I was asking myself whether our shells could actually reach those batteries, so skilfully hidden over there in the sands. As to floating mines, submarines, torpedoes, or German shells, nobody on board gave them a thought. All thoughts were concentrated o n that scarcely visible strip of land where wc knew the enemy was lurking. An English seaplane flew over the water, and did its scouting work with marvellous accuracy. Suddenly the bells rang from the bridge to the engine-room, the steam shrieked through the" valves, and all became activity on board. The squadron of cruisers spread out into single file. You could feel that the same feeling Was running through each of the grey monsters as she prepared for action. The moment was magnificent ajid tragic One-felt proud to be there, to be able to participate, though only as a spectator, in the terrible attack that was imminent. Onr cruiser takes her 'place ill the line, with destroyers gliding round With admirable order, shielding her from submarine attentions. The throbbing of the engines has almost ceased, the white waves beat against the side of the vessel, throwing up spray that is lilov.'ii across the decks. The gunners are at their posts in the turrets. Standing by them are the officers, as calm as if at manoeuvres. Suddenly, the great guns start the dance, and the noise shakes the decks. By the aid of niv glasses, I can watch' where the shells fall. Tlie guns fire at frequent intervals, each shot rending tlie air with a frightful roar, and it is only by signs that the officers are able to communicate their orders, Tlie other ships have joined in the bombardment, and it becomes almost impossible to tell which ship has fired, so confused is the noise. Suddenly all is silence—a n unexpected, tiw! ling silence. Tlie slightest sound stair 1 ..; out clearly. The gunners are sti'" at their posts. Up to now the PTina-i----have not replied. Perhaps t:,uv werconscious that their projectil-s could not reach us? But no! T\v<, shells fall short. Tlie squadron r.itnoeuvres. and takes up a new position to deceive the enemy. Then again the air is- alive with noise; we can see the sharp flashes of our shells as '..hey burst over the sands away in th< distance. 'Cease, fire!' vr. i, p „„ jj. nm .., ara destroyed two German guns mounted near /eebrugge. it ■ ' " r ' v the day The allies (for there Front.t v.its in the squadron* draw off feeling that vi'cv have ac;omplished a good piece of woik.' ]