ANOTHER WAR SECRET.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 December 1918, Page 2

ANOTHER WAR SECRET.

HOW A V-C. WAS WON. SUBMARINE AMD A SHIP. In April, 1917, it was announced tlmt the Victoria Cross had been awarded to Commander Gordon Campbell, of the British Navy, in "recognition of conspicuous gallantry and consumate coolness and skill in command of one of His Majesty's ships in action." Commander Campbell had previously w<> the award of the Distinguished Service OrderNo particulars were allowed to be published at the time of the deed for which the Victoria Cross was gained. Now, however, the Admiralty gives th& account of the incident as follows:

"Commander Campbell's Victoria Cross was won in February, 1917, on board a Q ship in the Irish Sea- A submarine suddenly torpedoed the vessel, and a hig hole was caused near the engine Toom, but the gun crews were called to their fighting stations. To deceive the submarine, some boats were lowered, and a few of the crew Towed away as if the Q ship were sinking. When the submarine's periscope appeared 220 yards away, the ensign was hoisted <ind the gunners of the Q ship fired at her point-blank. The first shot struck the conning tower and blew off the head of her commander. The submarine sank. Commander Campbell picked up an officer and a man. Thousrh the Q ship herself was slowly sinkinc during the fight, the chief engineer and his staff remained in the flooded engine room; keeping the machinery going until the water drove them away. The Q ship was beached 24 hours later."