SUBMARINE DISASTER

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 July 1931, Page 9

SUBMARINE DISASTER

CREW’S GREAT HEROISM [OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, July 7. With reference to the collision disaster of the British submarine Poseidon near Wei-hai-wei, a remarkable story of the behaviour of the members of the crew who were cut off in the forepart of the ship, most of whom were eventually saved, was told by Mr. Alexander (First Lord of the Admiralty), in the House of Commons. He said that, according to the report received from the Commander-in-Chief, when the collision occurred, and an order to close the watertight doors was given, Willis, the torpedo gunner’s mate, took charge of those in the forepart, calling on them to close the door of the compartment with themselves inside, 'as this might mean saving the ship. Whilst this work was in progress the ship lurched to starboard, and sank. Willis ordered his companions to put on the escape apparatus. He explained that he was going to flood the compartment in order to equalise the pressure in it with that outside, and he told off each man to his station. The imprisoned men were working in darkness, except for an occasional light from an electric torch. While the compartment was slowly filling, Willis kept his companions in good heart and. another man, Nagle, instructed a Chinese boy in the use of the apparatus, which saved his life.. After two hours, the hatch was opened sufficiently for two men to shoot up, but the pressure reclosed the hatch. Of the two men, Lovock and Holt, who had escaped, the former came to the surface unconscious, and he died. After a further hour, by which time the men were nearly up to their necks in water, a second effort was made. The hatch was opened, and four more men . came to the surface. They were Willis, Clark, Nagle and Ah Dai, all of whom were picked up by boats. It was abundantly clear, the report says, that the courage and fortitude of these men who were practically in darkness, in slowly flooding the compartment facing a situation that was more than desperate was in accordance with the very highest traditions of the British Navy. The coolness, confidence ability and power of command shown by Willis, which no doubt was principally responsible for saving so many lives, deserved the very highest praise. Mr. Alexander also stated that Willis said prayers for himself and his companions when the lights failed, and before the compartment was flooded. Mr. Alexander said the question of suitable recognition of Willis and the others was under consideration. (General cheers).