U-BOAT HUNTERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 September 1943, Page 6

U-BOAT HUNTERS

ATLANTIC EXPERIENCE CHAMPAGNE IN READINESS FOR CELEBRATION A British naval officer told in a recent BBC radio newsreel oE a strange thing that had happened during his ship’s last voyage across the Atlantic. They sighted a derelict lifeboat far out in the ocean. They found it was empty but for—a full bottle of champagne! They heard afterwards that those, who had been in the boat- had been picked up. So they decided to keep the champagne for celebrating their firsc success against a U-boat. It must have been an omen, the sailor said, because early next morning a Sunderland aircraft of the Coastal Command reported that she was engaging af U-boat. As their ship raced for the-spot, an unusual order was given by the captain-—“ Stand by for action stations in ten minutes’ time.” So instead of the customary scramble they had time to dress properly and were able to have a cup of cocoa. It turned out to be what the broadcaster described as a model attack. The Canadian corvette, H.M.C.S. Drum Keller, had had a crack at the U-boat before the British escort ship got there. They made contact exactly when and where the Captain had anticipated. In five-and-a-half minutes it was all over: they made only one attack, and scored two direct hits. Almost immediately they saw patches of oil and wreckage coming to the surface. 'When they left the oil patch had extended to 600 feet in diameter. The following day an aircraft reported an oil streak, in that area, 1.700 yards long.

Typical of the “silent service” was the entry in the ship's log: “0629 —made contact with U-boat; 06341 —sank same." Exactly five-and-a-nalf minutes of their time accounted for. They waited till they reached port before drinking the champagne that Neptune had awarded them in advance.