MEN OF THE NAVY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16052, 19 October 1915, Page 9

MEN OF THE NAVY.

DARDANELLES INCIDENTS.

EVER-READY DESTROYERS.

Received October 19. 1 a-m.)

London, October 18.

Continuing his description of the work of the navy at the Dardanelles, Mr. Ashmead Bartiett states:— " Spring brought fine weather and sunshiny conditions, but the work of the destroyers was harder when active operations against the Dardanelles commenced in FebruaryMany destroyers, while mine-sweep-ing after the outer forts had been reduced to ruins under heavy fire from the remaining forts and concealed batteries, were struck, and suffered heavy casualties. When It was decided to make a great attempt to force the Dardanelles with the fleet alone, without waiting for an army, the preparatory work fell on the trawlers. The difficulties were almost insurmountable.

" In March, when the great naval attempt was made, the destroyers had a secondary part in the fighting, but did splendid work sweeping ahead of the battleships and in saving the crews of the Irresistible and the Ocean.

" The failure of the March attack led to the fleet being temporarily withdrawn to Tenedos and Mudros. The destroyers during the landing in April carried close inshore the second batch of infantry supporting the first landing parties. No one will forget the sight of the long low craft, packed, with khaki figures creeping closer and closer inshore. The destroyers were ever ready to lend a helping hand. One day two British transports were lying locked together close to the beach. A shell damaged the steam winch and one transport was unable to raise her anchor. When a Turkish battery opened fire, a destroyer dashed in to the assistance of the transports and placed her frail form between them and the enemy, emitting great clouds of black smoke as a screen against the gunners. By a miracle the destroyer escaped, but remained until the transports were out of range."