THREE ATTACKERS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 75, 9 January 1941, Page 2

THREE ATTACKERS

SINKING OF THE HOLMWOOD.

REPORT BY CAPTAIN MILLER.

(Special to the “Guardian.”)

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day

How three German raiders flying Japanese colours shelled the Holmwood after removing the passengers and crew, and the cargo of sheep, has been told by Captain James H. Miller, in a preliminary report received by Captain S. Holm, managing director of the Holm Shipping Company, Ltd., Wellington. “It is with great regret that I have to report the loss of tho s.s. Holmwood on November 25, by. enemy action, 27 miles west-south-half-south

from the western reef, Chatham Islands,” Captain Miller’s letter stated. “I had sailed from Waitangi at 2:30 a.nj., being on the bridge myself until the western reef was cleared at 5.10 a.m. At 7.25 a.m. the second mate, Mr Clarke, called me and reported a large steamer overtaking fast, astern on the port quarter.

“I immediately went on to the bridge and saw a steamer showing Japanese colours about two miles on the port quarter, with three hoists of flags showing. I altered course and brought the strange vessel astern, and sent orders for all women and children to dress and for the boats to he put in readiness. 4

“Covered With Eight-inch Guns.” “I heard’ what I thought to he a gun fired, and at the same time observed two other vessels closing, in, one amidships on either side. The one on the port quarter hnd the one amidskips on the starboard side had us covered with eight-inch guns, and were flashing by Morse signals: ‘Stop immediately.’ The hoists of flags were made out to read: ‘For the benefit of your comply you should stop immediately.’ The ships being in such close proximity, _ I realised that it would be useless to attempt to use the wireless. Furthermore, I could not possibly leave the bridge.

“I stopped the engines at 8 a.m. All the ship’s papers—wages sheets, account books, letter books—were seized by the raiders’ officers. Cash amounting to £57 7s 4d I stowed away, hoping to bring it up before I left thd ship, but this, unfortunately, went down with her. , “Passengers and crew were taken on board the raider. A large number of sheep were taken on hoard the raiders, the remainder, also the horse, being slaughtered before the ship was sunk hy shellfire at X p.m. Tribute To AH On Board. ‘ ‘All hands managed to save a certain amount *of their belongings, though it is regrettable that a. considerable amount of our effects was lost.

“The crew and passengers are expected to arrive in -an Australian port. I am arranging accommodation, and also facilities for their return to New Zealand. ... I should he glad if you could inform me by cablegram of any arrangements you may have made for the benefit of wives and families during the time of suspense.

“I should like to add that the-cool-ness and courage displayed by the officers, engineers, crew, and passengers have been most admirable throughout. Further details I will give you on my return to New Zealand.

■ “As I am sure that I will be required for a few days in Wellington, I should be very happy if some arrangements could he made for Mrs Miller to meet me there. I cannot arrange from here, as I do iiot know the position since the ship has been presumed lost with all hands.”