A NAVAL HERO.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1715, 5 January 1920, Page 5

A NAVAL HERO.

A V.C., FROM OSTEND AND \\ < ZEEBRUGGE.

TO SPEAK IN PALMERSTON NORTH

Of nil tho enthralling incidents of unceasing vigil and deeds of heroism that go to make the glorious annals of the Britisii Navy, the epic story of the attack on Oslond and Zeebrugge must remain paramount. As an example of reckless daring it is immortal. .The story is to be told in Palmerston North on Wednesday evening in tho OperaUlouse by a thrice honoured participant. Lieut.-Commander Bourke. V.C., D.5.0., Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, R.N.V.R., who is passing through New Zealand on a visit to Australia, has, at the request of tho Navy League, kindly consented to give a series of illustrated talks on the historic attack oh Ostend and Zeebrugge, where ho gained thirt greatest of distinctions, the Victoria Cross, and _ also_ the D.SiO. The Commander, when interviewed by a 1 ‘Standard’Vlfeporter this morning, disclosed a little of his private life and, in an outline of tho gallant operations, gave some indication of the -fascinating story that ho will have to tell on Wednesday evening. Ho is a youngish man of medium height and moderate physique. With a modest unassuming demeanour he touches lightly cn his own brilliant conduct, which merely serves to make his story tho more enticing. 'A- native pf England ho emigrated toCanada and there undertook the life of a fruit farmer in -the West, but when tho call to arms rang forth in tho European war he was not 100 far away to respond. He joined tho R.N.V.R., in which ho spent three years, and was latterly in charge of a submarine chaser connected with the Dover patrol. In this vessel M.L276, an 80ft. sougoing craft. Commander Bourke played his conspicuous part in the daring and successful attack which so effectually stopped the German submarine menace from Ostend and Zeebrugge. In tho first attack on Ostend ho - rescued under heavy fire 38 officers and men of,the fclockship Brilliant, which was run aground outside the harbour. In recognition of this act he was-awarded the P.S.O. In the second attack on Ostend, following tho Vindictive into the harbour, he in lis little craft, engaged the enemy’s machine guns on both piers with Lewis guns. Later hearing cries of distress, he again entered tho harbour, and though under a very heavy fire at close range all the time, continued searching until ho found and rescued Lieut. Sir John Alleyno and two ratings, all badly wounded.- In spite of two of his crew being killed, .several wounded, and the boat hit in ' 55 places and badly damaged, ho coolly com- ! ploted his work and brought her out. For j this-ho was awarded tho V.C. | Tho Commander's graphic account of these ,

operations will bo much enhanced by a largo number of lantern pictures taken from the British and French oflicial photbs The interviewer was,shown and explained a number of remarkably clear photographs of various phases of the groat exploit, of which, the slides will be a magnified facsimile. The classes of ships which took part arc illustrated, including the much damaged Vindictive, anJ there are also views of the famous viaduct before and after it was wrecked, the shore gun defences and the final jubilant return to England. ■ Among his comrades in the war the Commander numbers with profound regard

several New Zealander's. Chief Motor Mechanic Chivors, of Napier, was on the same boat during ' the second operations when the little craft was made the ’object of a fusillade of fire. Other of his Now Zealand' .friends.-wore Lieutenant Kirkwood, D.S.CV, of Auckland, who gained his decoration during the attack for a‘ daring exploit in rescuing men suffocated by gas from an engine room, and Chief Motor Mechanic Alexander, also of Auckland, who died as the result ,of his'wounds. The Commander wished it to bo. clearly understood that ho is in Now Zealand in a

quite unofficial position. Ho is ac'oinpauied by his wife and is merely travelling for pleasure. Nevertheless,"when New Zealand’s future naval policy remains a matter

for contention,"ho may have something of

interest to say via the matter of coast defences, on which his opinions should be of some weight. Tho ; invulnerability pf any defences must surely bo a matter difficult to gauge, when the almost superhuman tenacity of purpose displayed at Ostehd and Zoebniggc are involved. The Commander says that on thn twelve miles of coast lino separating the two ports 23p gipi!; .yerc .placed, .125,-of-■which, tanged'ih calibre from 6in. to 15in. Despite this bristling ordnance the attack was thrust home. No more need bo said here of the deed which will live through the ages.