RAIDER CLASH

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1940, Page 5

RAIDER CLASH

SOME DAMAGE

TO BRITISH MERCHANT CRUISER

(Per British Official Wireless).

MONTEVIDEO, December 8

It is- revealed that the auxiliary cruiser “Carnarvon Castle,” received a total of 22 shell hits while she was battling with the German raider. Tho latter is now described, as a HansAlloyd merchantman. The raider fired two torpedoes as its first action. When the “Carnarvon Castle” arrived here, she carried a collision patch over her bow. Presumably this is covering a shell-hole below the water line. Light hits were visible on her port- side, while her starboard side is more seriously damaged, including four well-defined direct hits, one of which apparently passed clean through the ship near the bow. A large crowd cheered as the vessel arrived. The commander of the “Carnarvon Castle,” which engaged tho German raider in the South Atlantic, is Captain 11. N. Hardy. Ho said there were no prisoners aboard. He added that tho Admiralty would release news of the number of dead’and injured. “Nothing can be said (about the injured,” he said, “but they are not serious. It is unnecessary to disembark them. They will bo cured aboard.” The “Carnarvon Castle” is staying here the usual time accorded by the Uruguayan law, namely 24 hours.

THE BRITISH CASUALTIES

MONTEVIDEO, December 7

The “Carnarvon Castle” in the naval engagement, lost seven men, who were killed, and 15 were wounded. Before she got away, the German fired two torpedoes. They missed. As she disappeared in a smoke screen, we saw her settling down by tho stern. Wo were short of munitions. We decided to go to Montevideo, and turned southward. We first saw the “Queen of Bermuda,” which took the 22 German passengers whom we took off the Argentine vessel, Et-iape. A number of ratings from the “Queen of Bermuda” were transferred to the “Carnarvon Castle.” A few hours later we picked up tho “Enterprise,” who signalled to ask if we needed assistance. We said no. She then went northward at full speed. That German is bound straight for Davy Jones’ locker.”

PURSUIT OF RAIDER

MONTEVIDEO, December 8

Officers of the cruiser “Uruguay” said that they had sighted the British warship “Warspite”,, speeding north, and apparently attempting to intercept the German raider which had the battle with the “Carnarvon Castle.” The cruiser “Enterprise’ 5 is now seeking for the raider.

A GUNNER’S REPORT

MONTEVIDEO, December 8

A gunner on the “Carnarvon Castle” related the battle to the United Press ps follows: “On Thursday morning the “Carnarvon picked up a German ship. We fired shots across her bow. As a precaution, in view of several unpleasant surprises that we bad had in recent weeks, our captain ordered the crew to their oattle stations. A 8.5 a.m., without warning, the German raider opened fire, and the battle was on. The captain immediately ordered the gunners to straddle the enemy, seeking the range. The Germans did likewise and with good effect.” The gunner said: “One shell hurst close to a gun crew on our vessel. One little fellow had his arm smashed and had a piece of steel in his guts. He turned to his mates and said: “I have not let you down mates have I?” He was taken to the infirmary, but ho did not last long. He was buried with honours, with six others after the battle. ,

A gunner on the “Carnarvon Castle” paid a tribute to the Germans. I heir shots frequently straddled the “Carnarvon Castle,” and seldom were over 20 yards on either side. He said Captain Hardy kept the ship on a straight course till the Germans iound the range and were ready lor a direct hit. and then at the last moment changed the course, lie said : “It was evident from the first that the German ship had the heavier guns—at least two eight-inciters- —and did her utmost to bring them to bear. Besides, tlio German was lojlg and low, with the littlest of freeboard, making him the hardest to bit. Despite that, we bit him fair amidships. The output of our commissioned guns on that side forced her to tack port-ward, to bring her remaining guns to bear on us. Altogether site bit us 22 times, but not seriously.”

BRITISH CONSULATE ACCOUNT

MONTEVIDEO, December 7

The British Legation here has issued a. communique on the naval action between the raider and the “Cainai\oii Castle.” It says: “The action lasted for 90 minutes. It began with a long chase at high speed, in which the enemy continually attempted to break off the action. The enemy disappeared finally at high speed under a smoko serc'ii. The damage to the “Carnarvon Castle,” alihough it is very noticeable, is rnostlv superficial. It is easily repairable. Tim German ship undoubtedly was greatly damaged. She, probably, will be caught and destroyed soon. The conduct of the sailors upheld the highest traditions of the Royal. Navy,”