THE MYSTERY SHIP.

Gisborne Times, Volume L, Issue 5139, 3 April 1919, Page 5

THE MYSTERY SHIP.

EXPLOITS OF LIEUT.-COMMAN-DER SANDERS, V.C;

HUN SUBMARINE BLOWN TO PIECES.,

(Press Association Telegram.) AUCKLAND, April 2. | Mr. Weslmore. chief officer of the Oufic, now in port, is a brother of Lieut.-Commander Westmore, who was in connmand of the mystery ship whose exploit made Lieut.-Comman-der W. E. Sanders, V.C., famous. He states that her crew were all volunteers. Lieut.-Commander Sanders was then second in command. At 6 a.m., they heard firing m the distance and altered their course. Presently they sighted German submarines near a steamer carrying stores to Salonika, the steamer having been torpedoed. The crew had taken to the boats. The mystery schooner was close enough, and the commander of the nearest submarine ordered her to stop. the schooner lowered a boat containing about six men, who pulled as though they had abandoned the ship. Lieut.Commander Westmore, Lieut, banders, and some gunners lay concealed on the schooner. When slie dnfted within 80 yards of the submarine she broke the'White Ensign and fired her four guns at point-blank range at the submarine, which was practically blown to pieces, and sank mstanGy^econ d submarine attempted to attack the schooner, but received a second salvo from the guns at 400 yds. The enemy craft disappeared belo the surface, and was fiotseenagain. The steamer was not vitally Her crew returned on board and tool her to port with the schooner in tow. Lieut.-Commander received the D. 5.0.. and the chief gunner received the D.S.M. Lieut. Sanded, was i also decorated and given command of 1 the mystery ship on which he eventually gained the V -C.