ADVENTUROUS SEA VOYAGE

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 42, 13 November 1941, Page 12

ADVENTUROUS SEA VOYAGE

New Zealander’s Log

ESCAPE FROM CRETE TO

, AFRICA A graphic account ot the manner in which a party of British, Australian and New Zealand troops, and also some marines, escaped from Crete and safely reached North Africa, is contained In the log of Invasion Barge 96, compiled by a New Zealander, Prvate A. H. Taylor. A resident of Huia, Manukau, Private Taylor is the holder of a river master’s ticket, and was a well-known launchman on the Manukau Harbour a few years ago. The log is as follows, with a foreword’ by Private Taylor : — “This is intended to be the log of the Invasion Burge 96, found abandoned off Sparkia and hidden in a sea cavern by members of the Australian, New Zealand, Marines and imperiaarmies after the disastrous retreat from -Suda Bay. On this barge the members hope to reach Tobruk or at least contact a friendly vessel. The German armies nre ’close on our track and our success depends firstly on keeping hidden till dark. Things have happened so fast since the invasion of Crete that there is grave doubt as to today's date, but it is believed to be Sunday, June 1, 1941. but the Navy will ibe able to establish this definitely. Fired on When Leaving. Sunday, June 1 (I think), 3.45 p.m. —All ready and waiting for darkness. Hoping Jerry will not find us. 6.30 p.m.: Tea (small piece bully beef and biscuit). Hun aircraft busy, but all hands cheerful and hopeful. Have escaped detection so far. Still hoping further luck. 9 p.m.: Darkness falling, everyone in good spirits and looking forward to adventure. Air activity ceased and no sign of Hun patrols, shall leave in 20 minutes. 9.20 p.m.: At sea. Both engines full speed. Jerry opened fire with two machineguns and sprayed us well as we left the caves, but thank God for our armour plate, no one is hurt. Midnight: Passed island on starboard bow. All well, but petrol consumption alarming. Monday, June 2,2 a.m.—Struck rock on extreme south Govadous Island. No damage done, but tide falling. Decided to land for stores and water. 4 a.m.: All ashore for the day. 8.30 p.m.: All aboard again. Have procured more water and food, but unable to Set petrol. Petrol supply very low. Wind light northerly. Hope to intercept a patrol vessel tonight. If not must drift around till we do. Some members decide to remain ashore but four new members join party. 10.40 p.m.: Have again started on our journey south. Breeze rather fresh from the west, and sea choppy. Water Enters Craft.

June 3,2 a.m.—Have discovered that through grounding on rock we have loosened a plate in starboard balance tank. Making water fairly fast. All hands were awakened and baling was carried on for a good few hours. 2.30 a.m.: Several Verey lights were fired at half-hour intervals till 0500 hours, but no response. 6.30 a.m.: Leak discovered and temporary repairs made; water under easy control. 4.15 p.m.: Sighted vessel to east. Excitement high, but hopes dashed. Vessel turns out to be another invasion barge on the same errand as ourselves. 5.30 p.m.: Fuel expended. Are now drifting. Estimate our position 60 miles off African coast.

June 4, 10.50 a.m.—Rigged jury mast and sail. Wind N.W., making progress to the south. 8 p.m.: Still making slow progress S.E. Set watches four men per hour. Have hopes of seeing land tomorrow if estimates correct.

June 5, 10 a.m.—Still making slow progress S.E. Food very low. Restricted all hands to quarter pint cocoa for breakfast. Would sell my soul for a square meal and a cigarette.. 4 p.m.: Flat calm. No sign of shipping or laud. Everyone very hungry and getting very weak. Can last three to four days yet. 11 p.m.,: Aeroplane flew across at fair height. 'Don’t know whether Allied or enemy, so did not show signal. Aeroplanes were heard three times after this before daylight. June 6, 10.30 a.m.—We have bad nothing to eat or drink, but the spirits of the men are good, so I do not intend signalling blindly to a plane at night for a day or two yet. Noon: Light breeze from the north once more Making slow progress south. Had issue of water, but all food expended. British Army Camp.

June 7, noon. —A number of 17 or 18 aeroplanes in one Hight Hew over our bow, but were too tar away to distinguish whether Allied or enemy. 3 p.m.: A German long-range bomber llew directlj’ overhead. He was ou an easterly course.

June 8, 10 a.m.—Have sighted land immediately to. our south, so it’s obvious that we have kept a fairly good course throughout our passage. 1 have disclosed same to members on board a,nd they are jubilant. Excitement prevails everywhere; live members on board decided to make a raft and head for the land which I advise against, but they have made up their minds so there is no more to it. The breeze is very light from the west and we are unable to get our barge to sail, so are just drifting toward land which is damned awful.

June 9, 3.30 a.in.—We have safely grounded on the rocks at Sidi Barrani, having safely traversed the whole of the sea journey under our own power Every member of the crew lias disembarked, and we find that we have landed right in the middle of a Tommy camp. Here we have been treated like lords. Plenty of food, tea, cigs, and shelter, which is fully appreciated by all, and so ends our sea voyage. .