THE BARALONG INCIDENT.

Evening Star, Issue 16033, 9 February 1916, Page 6

THE BARALONG INCIDENT.

FULL DETAILS AT LAST. LONDON, February 8. Hi© ‘ Daily Telegraph 7 publishes the full story of the Baralong. The Nicosian carried a cargo of mules, and carried a crew comprising th© captain, mate, and half a dozen men, besides 10 or 12 American cattlemen of the type described in Kipling’s ‘Mnlholland’s Contract.’ They were certainly of a breed who would take lightly or sitting down a cold-blooded attempt at murder. . When the Nicpsian’s watch reported that a German submarine was practically alongside a torpedo was immediately fired, and it struck the cattle-laden steamer, but her bulkheads held out, and she sank only about a foot, with a heavy list to port. Tho engines were then stopped, and two boats lowered, but- the American cattlemen refused to follow the captain and the crew into the boats. At this moment the Baralong appealed on the scene, and th© Nlicosian’s crew rowed themselves towards her. The commander of th© submarine, finding that the Nicosian had. been winged, detenuined to keep' his last torpedo. The cluimsy-looking newcomer sent a bombing party off to finish the Nicosian, and her crew had mrsooner climbed up tho sides of th© latter than a couple' of shells ended the submarine. Her commander thereupon determined to board tho Nicosian and demand her surrender.

But a thrilling tragedy ensued. The American cattlemen, realising the purpose of the bombing party, awaited the approach pf the bpat, and, armed with, farnace bars three feet long and as thick as a man’n wrist, made a msh at the Germany when the latter clambered on to the deck. The cattlemen also made a rush at the submarineV crew, and used firo'arms against them. It was but the work of a minute, -and the affray was soon ended. 'LTie Germans had been caught in the act of laying bombs on an inhabited ship, and they met with no mercy from the infuriated Americans. One dr two of the submarine’s men were killed instantaneously. A' .grim chase followed, which greatly puzzled those aboard' the Baralohg. ’ The German commander, who Sras now alongside, was trapped, while the German crew sought safety in the cabins and the lavatories. But the doors of these were smashed in, and two men, who had taken refuge in the tunnel of the propeller shaft, met their death in the struggle that ensued. A similar fate befel the German"officer' who 1 was in command .of the second boat. The same fate overtook tbo remainder of the crew who gained a footing on tire BaraJong.

The commander of the German submarine sprang away from his captors and rushed to tho Nicosian's bridge, hoping •that those oh board, the Baralong would see and save him. But the entire British Navy would not have availed at that moment against the rago of these cattle.men. Two of the firebars were tied to his feet, and he was thrown overboard.

Then the avengers staved their hands, and received a businesslike visit from an officer of the Baralong, who for the first ■ time gleaned 1 the actual (facts of the gruesome ctory.