LOSS OF THE BARHAM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24828, 30 January 1942, Page 5

LOSS OF THE BARHAM

A SURVIVOR'S STORY

(Rec. 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 28. The Daily Telegraph's Durban correspondent reports that a survivor of the Barham disclosed that members of the crew queued up for the ladders while the battleship was sinking. The marines and officers above decks coolly marshalled the men into line.

One young sailor, who was trapped in a room with the door jammed, smashed his way out with a chair. He jumped into the sea, which was coated with oil, and was picked up by a destroyer.

The sea was covered with bits of wreckage, the men struggling among the spars for support. All around were splashes from debris hitting the water.

Another sailor was in the water for 45 minutes. When located he was badly wounded. He was without a lifebelt, but another seaman, though himself nearing exhaustion, without hesitation removed his own and placed it over the man's shoulders. Both were picked up by a destroyer. The admiral was hauled on board covered in oil from head to foot. A minute later the admiral was leading the weary singing of "There Will Always Be an England."