Describes Shelling Of Zamzam

Northern Advocate, 27 May 1941, Page 5

Describes Shelling Of Zamzam

LONDON, May 26.

According to a correspondent of the British United Press, Mr J. V. Murphy, one of the survivors of the steamer Zamzam, who is also one of the editors of the American magazine “Fortune,” vividly described the sinking of the vessel. “We were four days out from Capetown,” said Mr Murphy, “when the raider attacked us just before dawn on April 17. Nine shells hit the ship. The master (Captain Smith) attempted to make a signal, but the ships blinker was shattered. He ordered the Egyptian flag to be unfurled, grabbed a hand torch and began signalling himself. “The firing ceased, but nine persons' had been badly wounded and many others hurt. There was utter confusion, on board. A number of men, women and children swam around in the water for over 20 minutes before they were picked up. Fortunately the sea was calm. No Monkey Business

The raider’s captain expressed regret about the shelling. Next day all except two wounded Americans and one wounded Englishman were transferred to the merchant ship, whose captain was not so polite.

“He declared in English: ‘Any monkey business, and we answer with machine-guns ! ’ The survivors were on board the merchantman for 30 days before they were landed on the Atlantic coast of France.”