STIRRING DOINGS IN THE NORTH SEA

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 78, 1 April 1916, Page 5

STIRRING DOINGS IN THE NORTH SEA

THE AIR RAID AND NAVAL ACTION

FIGHTING IN HAIL AND BLINDING SNOW

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright,) # (Received April 1, 9.40 a.m.)

LONDON, 31st March,

Describing th» British seaplane raid on the German airship station irt Schleswig-Hqlstein, east of the Island of Sylt, and the accompanying naval action, the Scotsman says:—The raid was one of the most stirring events since the war began. Nearing .the German coast a blizzard burst over the British squadron, icy blasts filling the air with hail and blinding snow. It ■was a marvel that the airmen attempted the task, but they went off in defiance of the elements with an eagerness which honoured the service.

"A naval action began as soon as the British got a glimpse of the enemy flotilla through the blizzard. Germany had I6ng sought an opportunity of finding the British Fleet, bnt her big ships never left the shelter of Kiel sawl Heligoland. The enemy flotilla fled, and the British began the chase. Concerted action was impossible owing to the snowstorms. Sight and smash was the order. Sighting was possible only at close range, and the smashing was deadly. ■;,••■' "The British soon disposed of the fast, powerful armed trawlers, and aimed salvoes at the fleeing destroyers whenever the snow cleared. One was blazing from end to end, and further salvoes poured into her sealed her fate. A second destroyer's plight was scarcely less terrible; probably she foundered. The most dramatic moment was when the light cruiser Cleopatra, in the drift of the blizzard, saw an enemy destroyer at close range. She rushed in headlong, ramming the destroyer, and simultaneously subjecting her to a deadly fire. The cruiser's bow cut deep into the destroyer, which fell away, sinking fast. The blinding snow blotted out everything. When it cleared there was no trace of the destroyer, save debris and oil." THREE BRITISH AIRMEN SURRENDER. ' COPENHAGEN, 31st March. Danish fishermen at Nevel on Saturday sighted a seaplane riding on the sea. They reported the fact to the military, who rowed out, and found a British seaplane which had participated in the engagement at Sylt. The three occupants were trying their utmost to start the propeller, but failed, and surrendered.