URSULA’S EXPLOIT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 December 1939, Page 6

URSULA’S EXPLOIT

HOW 4 GERMAN CRUISER WAS SUNK NEGOTIATION OF “HITLER'S CABBAGE PATCH." HONOURS FOR CAPTAIN & CREW. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 23. Now that the British submarine Ursulajias relumed to harbour it is possible to give details of how she sank a German cruiser of the Koln class. The Ursula reached the appointed patrol area, after negotiating the minefields, known among officers and men of the British submarine service as “Hitler’s cabbage patch.” on December 14. The Ursula was south of Heligoland, and when she dived in this area a number of German patrol vessels were in sight. The crew watched through the periscope, and eventually a cruiser of the Koln class was sighted at a range of about four miles. The German cruiser was screened by six destroyers, but the Ursula at once began what was not an easy attack, because of the proximity of other German patrol craft. To reach firing position the Ursula had to dive under the screening destroyers. Their propellers were clearly heard overhead. The captain of the Ursula snatched a quick look at the German cruiser through his periscope and gave the order to fire. This was the final stage of a perfect attack, pressed in to close range and carried out on an enemy cruiser in spite of its protective screen of six destroyers. The Ursula was shaken by a tremendous explosion; the first torpedo had found its mark. A few seconds later there was another great explosion, proving that the second torpedo had also hit. This second explosion appeared to have another explosion superimposed on it. Both explosions shook the submarine badly, and the second one broke most of the electric light bulbs. At the time the torpedoes were fired the noise of the propellers of the enemy cruiser could be clearly heard in the submarine. With the first explosion these ceased abruptly, and, after the second explosion, extraordinary noises of rending metal and of a ship breaking up were heard. Naturally the Ursula expected to be immediately attacked with depth charges from the destroyers, four of which at once turned toward her. The noise of the propellers passing close was almost continuous, and very soon explosions were heard, but the Ursula skilfully avoided attack, and, after a time came to periscope depth to have a look round. Two destroyers were standing by the position in which the enemy cruiser had been, and these appeared to be searching for survivors. There was no sign at all of the cruiser, which had obviously broken up as the result of torpedo hits and had sunk very rapidly. Satisfied with her work, the Ursula left the area which, from many explosions heard, was still very unhealthy, in spite of the fact that the submarine had eluded the initial counterattack of the German destroyers. The skilful and successful attack oi Ursula close to the entrance of one of the German fleet’s main harbours shows that the personnel of British submarines at present are worthy successors to the officers and men who so successfull:/ penetrated enemy waters during the last war. It is officially announced that the D.S.O. has been conferred on Lieutenant G. Phillips, captain Of the submarine Ursula, who is promoted to be Commander. Other members of the crew have been decorated.