SUBMARINE SURRENDER.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17955, 23 November 1918, Page 6

SUBMARINE SURRENDER.

DRAMATIC INCIDENTS. (Received November 22, 7.35 p.m.) LONDON, November 21. It was a thrilling moment off Harwich when the lirst submarine emerged idoin the mist. As she passed the British destroyer Melampus the order was given that there should bo no cheering and that no noise of any kind should bo made. A British airship led in the first section of the German craft, which had their hatches open, no flags and the crews on deck. They were escorted by British destroyers. The fourth boat, three hundred 1 feet long, was a submarine cruiser, elaborately camouflaged and armed with six and eight-inch guns. Throughout all British guns were trained on the Germans, to prevent the possibility of treachery. It was a dramatic moment when Admiral Tyrwhitt, from the flagship of the Harwich patrol, hoisted the signal: "Leading destroyer lead the way to England. Submarines to follow." Thus the surrender was accomplished, the submarines coming to heel like whipped dogs, British cruisers bringing up the roar. Twenty miles off shore British crews hoarded, the submarines and brought them to harbour, the German crows remaining on deck. The White Ensign was hoisted as each submarine entered the harbour, with the German | flag underneath. In accordance with Admiralty in-: ; struct ions, there was no demonstration of any sort anywhere. Lieutenants boarding submarines exchanged a formal salute with tho German, captains, who produced their papers, and a British crew was sent below to see that the machinery was all right. The Germans displayed some anger when they learned that they were go>ing to Harwich as prisoners instead of going aboard hospital ships and returning to Germany immediately. Some officers wept as their boats passed into the hands of their conquerors. One was much upset because his outsfcreiohed hand was ignored by the British officer. Even the crowds of civilians on the quay received the Germans without a word and treated them with deserved contempt.

When all the submarines were safe in harbour the crews wore sent aboard a hospital ship and returned to Germany. After each commander had l signed a declaration that his submarine was intact the torpedoes were unloaded. After signing one commanding officer ignoring the British officer's salute, walked abaft the conning tower without speaking. Another, when a .British lieutenant jumped aboard, dashed his marine glasses on the deck, in a passion. Most, however, behaved decently. Tho crews, dressed i.i their usurl working clothes, showed little interest.. Then chief anxiety was to return home. There were no signs of lack of discipline. They waited upon the officers as usual. Twenty more submarines will n.irrender to-day, and seventy other;- luring the week-end. ADDITIONAL SURRENDERS. Keuter'ti Telegrams. (Received November 22, 9.40 p.m.) ■ LONDON, November 21. Nineteen additional U-boats have surrendered at Harwich. One broke down en route, and has not arrived.