ARCTIC CRUISE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 135, 19 March 1948, Page 3

ARCTIC CRUISE

Submarine Returns to Port

TEST OF MORALE AND EQUIPMENT

(N.Z.P.A.—Copyright). (Rec. 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, Mar. IS

After a five weeks’ hazardous cruise in the Arctic to test morale and equipment, the British submarine Ambush returned to port to-day.

The submarine was submerged during most of the time at sea, and the crew saw daylight for only a few hours during the whole time.

The commander, Lieutenant A. G. Davies, said that during a hurricane the Ambush had to surface for three days, and “just roll it out hove to.” He added that the seae were tremendous and terrifying. The crew lashed themselves to their bunks, and those on duty tied themselves to the bridge. An operation was performed under a general anaesthetic on the navigating officer, who developed a septic hand. Each man in spite of the hardships of the voyage, put on an average of lOlbs in weight. The submarine before departure on February 10, took on thousands of eggs, large quantities of bacon, steak, and chicken, dozens of gramophone records and thousands of feet of film. The Ambush, whose Arctic destination was not disclosed for security reasons, was equipped with a snort device which enables the submarine to submerge for long periods.