ALLEGATIONS & REPLY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 June 1939, Page 5

ALLEGATIONS & REPLY

CRITICISM OF RESCUE OPERATIONS STORY OF EARLIER MISHAPS. DEMANDS FOR AN INQUIRY. LONDON, June 4. The Press complains. of the uncertainty about the progress of the rescue work, largely due to brusque uncommunicativeness of Cammell Laird officials toward 100 journalists representing newspaper agencies in Britain, France and America. A deputation of journalists was allowed to pass the outer gates only after they had sent a joint letter to Mr R. S. Johnson, the managing director, who gave the first authentic account since the submergence two days earlier. Editorials demand ruthless pressing for the proper answering of all questions relating to the loss of the crew of the Thetis and the failure to effect a rescue. THREE QUESTIONS ASKED. The Independent Cable Service states that the “Evening Standard’s’ Birkenhead correspondent says:— “Men and women relatives of the men in the Thetis are asking why the mishap was allowed to end in disaster. There were mutterings of indignation among the crowds waiting for news outside Cammell Laird’s shipyard. Men, many of whom have expert knowledge of submarines, are asking, three questions: — “First why since 18 feet of the submarine's tail was above water for 12 hours, was it not possible to cut a hole in the hull to rescue the men before any attempt was made to raise lhe submarine? The Admiralty says that the submarine was not Jar enough out of the water for a hole to be cut. "Secondly, why was there such delay in getting an air line welded to the hull? It is reported without official confirmation that an air line was being attached when a steel hawser broke and the Thetis sank. The Admiralty says there are great diving difficulties in the tideway.

“Thirdly, why were huge air-filled pontoons not secured to the hull before any attempt was made to raise it with a hawser? The Admiralty says jt is not certain but it believes the Thetis slipped the ' wires when it swung round in the flood tide.” NO DIVING BELL. The “Sunday Express” mentions the Squalus rescue which was effected with a diving bell, and says that the British Navy has no such bell, and the Admiralty now have to explain why not. It says also that the Admiralty will have to explain why the Thetis carried out a dive in 132 feet of water when her own length is 265 feet. Replying to rumours that the Thetis had been involved in, previous accidents and also that too many were aboard, the managing director of Cammell Laird’s said that previous mishaps were insignificant. The Thetis once hit the firm’s dock after a trial and another trial was postponed because the diving gear was unworkable, but the Thetis had dived twice previously in the dock basin. He denied it was overcrowded and said that on the last trial it was necessary to carry sub-contractors and Admiralty officials. About a dozen could have been accommodated in an accompanying tug but they preferred the submarine. A full inquiry will be held as soon as practicable. REPORT TO THE KING LONDON, June 4. A message giving details of the Thetis tragedy has been sent to his Majesty in Canada.

DAY OF MOURNING

MANY MEMORIAL SERVICES.

FUND TO BE OPENED FOR DEPENDANTS. (Received This Day. 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, June 4. It was if day of mourning at Birkenhead. Many relatives and friends of the Thetis men attended service in the century-old parish church of St Mary’s, which stands alongside the building yards from which the Thetis began her trial trip. The Vicar, speaking at the altar steps, said: “Forgive me if I don’t adhere to the custom of entering the pulpit. There are times when formality should be broken.” He added that a memorial service was being arranged. The Mayor of Birkenhead is calling a meeting to consider the opening of a fund for the dependants. A special prayer for the relatives was offered at Westminster Abbey. Thirty thousand naval ratings attended memorial services on every ship and at the shore establishment of the Home Fleet. No further information was available at the offices of Cammell Laird. An official who sees the Press could make no comment on the Admiralty announcement that the work now proceeding is the responsibility of Cammell Laird Messages of sympathy as regards the Thetis have been received from their Majesties the King and Queen, Herr Hitler and the French Navy. Herr Hitler also cabled a message of sympathy to the King. NAVAL CRAFT WITHDRAWN. (Received This Day, 1'1.20 a.m.) LONDON. June 4. The Press Association states that naval craft will leave the scene of the disaster tomorrow and' the salvage of the Thetis is now in the hands of the builders.