BATTLE INCIDENTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2791, 8 June 1916, Page 5

BATTLE INCIDENTS

HOW THE INVINCIBLE WENT DOWN RECEIVED THE DEATH BLOW WHILE ■ V FINISHING THE'ENEMT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Juno G. Mr. Thompson, physical instructor on tlio Invincible, and one of itho five survivors from that vessel, states that sho led the battle line into action. Thompson was in the fore control, with GunneryCommander Dannreuther. The first salvo, ftt 1250 yards, smashed the how of a big, four-funnelled cruiser, which was invisible after the smoke and spray cleared away. The Invinciblo altered her course to fight the big ships which were approaching in single line ahead, and engaged them at 8500 yds. Salvo after salvo was poured into one of the leaders, believed to. be the ■ Hindenburg, which must have sustained very heavy damage. The Invincible was trying to give the finishing stroko when she herself was blown up. The sliip seemed to open like a big furnace. Tho majority of the men were instantly killed. Thompson and Commander Dannreuther fell into tho sea with the masit. They and three others clung to a target-practice raft for an hour' before being picked up. Thompson says the Germans handled their ships well, but were out-manoeuvred and were no match for the British gunners. Tho Germans wero disorganised at the finish. GERMAN CRIPPLED SHIPS AT ZEEBRUGGE Amsterdam,' Juno C. A German torpedo-boat has arrived ,at Zeobrugge towing a destroyer and a submarine. The former was without funnels and had holes in her sides. Tho submarine's deck had been swept clcan. ' WARSPITE TO THE RESCUE . A STIRRING INCIDENT. ("Times" and . Sydney "Sun" Services.) ,(Rec. Juno 1, G. 20 p.m.) London, Juue 0. The "l'imes's" Portsmouth correspondent tells a stirring story _ of tho dramatic appearance of the ffarspite to rescue the crippled Warrior. "While the Warrior was lying battered and helpless, Sir John Jellicoe, learning of her peril, sent the Warspite ahead of the Grand Meet. The great battleship suddenly loomed up on the horizon at a tremendous pace; her 15in.. guns trained on tho enemy. The Warspite swept into the fray at full speed, and threw herself between the Germans and the Warrior. "The Warspite's first salvo sanlc a Ger-, man ship, and then, circling round the Warrior, sho drew the Germans' fire, replying vigorously aud effectively. _ Her steering-gear was damaged, Sho circled four times, and then Sir David Beatty signalled: 'Come back; you' are sacrificing yourself!' Tho Warspite 'was unable to obey, and hiing on and fought till tho Grand Fleet arrived. "The Warrior's survivors say that tho ship's company was saved by tho plucky action of the leading stoker, Darby Allan, who, after tho fires had been withdrawn, ran'back and turned off the main steam pipe, thus preventing an explosion which > would havo wrecked the ship." THE LOSSES IN TONNAGE ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Rcc. Jiino 7, G. 20 p.m.) London, .Tune 6. The "Evening News's" naval correspondent estimates provisionally that the British tonnage lost totals 101,700, and tho licrman tnpnago 101,110, . , CONGRATULATIONS FROM NEW ZEALAND A MESSAGE TO THE KING. On June 5 His Excellency tho Governor sent tho following telegram to tho Secre. tary of State for the Colonies:— "Plcaso convey to His Majesty the King tho following message: 'New Zealand do. sires to express her admiration for tho heroism of our sailors in tho great fight and extends her deepest sympathy to all who mourn the loss of so many gallant 'yesterday His Excellency received tho following reply:"His Majesty tho King sends warm <Hinuks fojc m(«sora from). .New. Zealand."