ZEEBRUGGE HEROES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 293, 30 August 1918, Page 5

ZEEBRUGGE HEROES

AlYAKlia liAiblilSU STORIES OF SPLENDID GALLANTRY

London, August 29. The "Gazette" contains etirring stories of deeds of heroism and indomitable courage in the course of a long list of officers and men mentioned by ViceAdmiral Sir Roger Keyes, commanding tho Dover Patrol, in connection with the second blocking operation at Oβtend on the night of May 9. Admiral Keyes say 6: "Aerial photographs taken prior to the operation cloarly showed that the enemy hnd mud© epecial preparations in anticipation of a renewed attack: ''Thfr'pp.eration was carried out in mined waters, in face of tremendous fire. The greatest credit was due to the volunteers for the hazardous service in tho Vindictive and the motor launches detailed for the rescue work, and also to the crews of tlie innumerable craft which covered and screened the Vindictive, led her to her objective, and rescued the survivors of the crew after ehe had been premeditatedly blown up."—Aus.N.Z. Cable, Assn.-Reuter. HONOURS OnHrToSTEND RAID (Rec. August 29, 7.30 p.m.) London, August 28. : The list of awards in connection with the blocking of Ostend on May 9 inolude three Victoria Crosses. Lieuten-ant-Commander, Drummond, in charge of a motor-launch, in spite of threo severe wounds, navigated his seriouslydamaged boat and took off forty of the Vindictive's crew, some of whom were killed during the embarkation.

Lieutenantrtoommander Bourke, who was in charge of a motor-launch, engaged, the enemy's guns -with his Lewie gun. After withdrawing he heard cries, and re-entered tlio harbour and rescued three wounded men who were dinging to a skiff. The launch was hit in fiftysix places—one hit was by a 6-inoh • shell.' Lieutenant Victor Oratehley, who assumed command of tho Vindictive after his superior officers had heen put out of action, and manoeuvred the Vindictive into position, did not leave until he had thoroughly searched with an. electric torch for survivors. Ho assumed command of Lieutenant-Commander Drummond's motor-launch when the latter collapsed owing to his wounde, and kept her afloat by bailing her out. Captain Benn, iM.P., is appointed a Commander of the Bath, and Captain Ernest Wigram a Companion of St, • Michael and St. George for gallant conduct in the Ostond action.—-Aus.-N.Z, Cable Assn.-Reuter. .