Britain’s Worst Submarine Disaster; 99 Lives Lost

Northern Advocate, 5 June 1939, Page 5

Britain’s Worst Submarine Disaster; 99 Lives Lost

IT WAS OFFICIALLY STATED BY THE ADMIRALTY YESTERDAY * AFTERNOON THAT HOPE HAD BEEN ABANDONED OF SAVING THE 99 OFFICERS AND MEN TRAPPED IN THE SUBMARINE THETIS, WHICH FAILED TO COME TO THE SURFACE AFTER DIVING DURING ACCEPTANCE TRIALS 40 MILES WEST OF THE MOUTH OF THE MERSEY ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON. THE DEATH-ROLL IS OFFICIALLY STATED TO BE 99.

DAY OF MOURNING AT BIRKENHEAD

- The work of salvaging the submarine is proceeding. Hawsers have been placed under the hull, and it is hoped to raise her on Tuesday.

(Received I.SO p.m.)

LONDON, June 4, rpODAY WAS A DAY OF MOURNING AT BIRKENHEAD,

Many relatives and friends of the Thetis men attended a service at the century-old parish church of St. Mary’s, which stands alongside the shipbuilding yards of Cammell, Laird and Co„ Ltd., from which the submarine began its final trip.

The vicar, speaking from the altar steps, said; “Forgive me if I do not adhere to the custom of entering the pulpit. There are times when formality should be broken.”

He added that a memorial service would be arranged

The Mayor of Birkenhead is calling a meeting to consider the opening of a fund for dependents.

A special prayer for relatives was offered at Westminster Abbey

Thirty thousand naval ratings attended memorial services, which were held in every ship and shore establishment of the Home Fleet.

Germany’s Sympathy

Messages of sympathy regarding the Thetis disaster were received from the King and Queen, Herr Hitler and the French Navy. Herr Hitler also cabled to the King his sympathy.

German newspapers sympathise with relatives of the crew, “Boersen Zeitung” said: “Germans’ sympathy lies in the admiration that Germans always have for the sailor who fearlessly looks death in the face.”