RIVER CLYDE SALVED.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 November 1919, Page 9

RIVER CLYDE SALVED.

AN ECHO OF HALUPOLI. THE HISTORIC LANDING. The collier River Clyde, which was rim ashore at Cape He-lies* Gallipqli, on April i'i, lillj, to laud troops under lire, wa-h salved recently and towed to Mudros in June by the Ocean Salvage Company's steamer La Valctte. It after the River Clyde was refloated that, .she was in much better condition than had been expected. The La Valctte was employed in carrying out certain repairs to the River Clyde to enable her to -:• lowed to Malta. The lauding on V beach was planned to take place on the following lines: As soon as the enemy's defences had been heavily bombarded by the licet, three companies of the Dublin Fusiliers were to be towed ashore. Thev were to be closely followed by the collier, River Clyde (Commander Unwin, R.N.), carrying between decks some of the Dublin [Fusiliers, the Minister Fusiliers, half a battalion of the Hampshire Regiment, the West Riding Field Companv, and | other details. The River Clyde had been specially prepared for the rapid disembarkation of her troops, and large openings for their exit had been cut in her sides, on to a wide gang-plank by which the men could pass rapidly into lighters, which she had in tow. As soon as the first tows had reached land the River Clyde was to be run straight ashore. Her lighters were to be placed in position to form a gangway between 'the ship and the beach, and by this means it was hoped that 2000 men could be thrown ashore with the utmost rapidity. Further, to assist in covering the landing, a battery of machine-guns, protected by sandbags, had been mounted in her bows. The actual course of events did not correspond with the intentions of the commander. The River Clvde came into position off Sedd-el-B-ahr, in advance of the tows, and, just as the latter reached the shore, Commander Unwin neaclied his ship also. Up to the very last moment it looked as if the landing was to be unopposed. Rut the moment the first boat touched bottom the storm broke. A tornado of fire swept over .(lie beach, the incoming boats, and the River Cylde. The Dublin Fusilier;; and the naval boats' crews suffered exceedingly heavy losses while still in the boats.' None of the latter were able to got off the beaeh [again,, and they and 'their crews were destroyed upon the shore. Now came the moment for the River Clyde to pour out her liviiur freight. Rut grievous delay was caused by the difficulty of placing the lighters in position between the ship and. the shore. A strong current, hindered the work, and the enemy's fire was so intense that almost every man engaged upon it was immediately shot. Owing, however, to the splendid gallantry of the naval working party, the lighters were eventually placed in position, and the disI embarkation began.