LOST SUBMARINE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20304, 11 July 1929, Page 11

LOST SUBMARINE.

DEATH ROLL 23.

CRAFT SINKS INSTANTLY.

SALVAGE IMPROBABLE.

COLLISION ON SURFACE.

'ALL UKJDW PERISH.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. \iislr»li»" Press Association—United Service ErHisl. Wireless. LONDON. July 0 The British submarine ILI7 was sunk in 45 fathoms of water 20 miles west of I'isli-

guard. The official list reveals that her dead number 22. The casualties have been further augmented by the death of AbleSeaman Sampson of the Ll2, nud LeadingSigiiahnan Bull, also belonging to that

vessel, is missing. The commanding officer of the 1147, Lieutenant I!. S. Gardner, and Petty OfficerTelegraphist Clcburn, were the only two saved from the sunken submarine. It is understood that the two submarines Collided while tho various flotillas which had taken part in combined exercises off the coast of Ireland—finished on Saturday—were returning to Portsmouth aud Portland.

Apparently (lie 1147 sank immediately nnd must have filled instantly. The commander and the telegraphist say they owe their lives to the fact that they worn the only men on deck when the submarine was rammed.

.\t the time of the collision she was running on the surface with her conning

tower open

All naval festivities have been cancelled. Arrangements are being made •with all despatch to attempt to salvage the H 47.

The disaster was the subject of question in the House of Commons this afternoon. The First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr. A. V. Alexander, gave the facts as disclosed in an official communique. He added that the submarines involved formed part of the instructional submarine flotilla which was proceeding from Lamlash to Portlifnd.

Mr. Alexander said the salvage of the tessel in such deep water was most improbable. The best diving apparatus available had been despatched to the scene and Professor Leonard Hill was on his way to advise and deal with the diving operations.

'T regret, however," added the First Lord, "that no hope can be entertained (if any of the remainder of the crew of the 1147 being aiive. lam sure every member of the House will desire to join in conveying our heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved relatives."

ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

GLOOM IN NAVAL TOWNS.

DIVERS ATTEMPT SALVAGE

Australian nnc' X Z. Press Association, (ii'cceivetl July 10, 8.25 p.m.) LONDON. July 10. Later details of the sinking of tlie submarine 1147 show that, with the Ll2, she v.as returning to port after manoeuvres, the 1147 being used as a training ship. The collision happened shortly after 9 U.tn.

The 1147 was cruising at periscope depth when she was rammed by the Ll2 The impact ripped a hole in her hull, which allowed two of her company miraculously to escape. The Ll2 was damaged near her battery tanks, which are 80ft. from the bows. Gloom has spread over the naval towns of Dcvonport, Portsmouth and Chatham, where many of the bereaved families reside. Groups of men and women soon gathered at tlie naval barracks, where they stood discussing the calamity. The salvage work is in charge of Rear'Adniiral H. E. Grace, a son of the once famous cricketer, the late Dr. W. G. Grace. Diving operations are being conducted from the battleship Rodney, and a new deep-water diving apparatus is being tried out. Sixteen naval vessels and two flyingboats are on the scene.