DAY OF MOURNING

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20822, 5 June 1939, Page 7

DAY OF MOURNING

MANY MEMORIAL SERVICES FUND FOR DEPENDENTS HERR HITLER'S SYMPATHY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received June 5, 11.15 a.m.) LONDON, June 4 It is a day of mourning at Birkenhead. Many relatives and the friends of the men on the sunken submarine attended a service in the century-old parish ‘Church of St. Mary’s, which stands alongside the shipbuilding yards from which the Thetis began her trial trip. The vicar, speaking on the altar steps, said: “Forgive me if I do not adhere to the custom of entering the pulpit. There are times when formality should be broken.” He added that a memorial service is being arranged. The Mayor of Birkenhead is calling a meeting to consider the opening of a fund for the dependents of the victims. Special prayers for the relatives of the men were offered at Westminister Abbey. Thirty-thousands naval ratings attended memorial services on every ship and shore establishment of the Home Fleet. No further information is available at the offices of the Cammell Laird Company. An oflieial who sees the press could make no comment on the Admiralty announcement that the work now proceeding is the responsibility of the Cammell Laird Company. Messages of sympathy have been received from Their Majesties, Herr Hitler and the French Navy, llerr Hitler also cabled a message of sympathy to the King. Naval Craft Leaving The Press Association states that naval craft will leave the scene to-morrow. Salvage is now in the hands of the builders.