"MAINLY BRITISH GRIT."

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 14288, 3 May 1917, Page 3

"MAINLY BRITISH GRIT."

ANZAC DAY ON A SINKING SHIP,

FINE BEHAVIOUR OF AUS-

TRALIAN TROOPS

The High Commissioner reports: — LONDON, May 1, 7.15 p.m. The Admiralty states : —

The sinking of the Ballarat recalls stories of the Southland, Tynedareus, and Birkenhead.

Tlie Ballarat was the first troopship carrying Australians to England since the unrestricted submarine warfare began. The men were mostly from Vie toria. It was Anzac Day, and the offioers were planning ai memorial service when the ship was struck. The alarm was sounded, "the advance" following. There was no confusion, and the men fell into their respective stations.

During the voyage the men had been told stories of the behaviour of troops of the Southland and Birkenhead. Men who had condemned boat drill blessed it, and quickly took their places. They instinctively knew the Navy would turn up. It did. Destroyers and trawlers appeared as if by magic. The ship began to settle, but did not sink for four hours. While waiting for the boajts tlie men sang and played cards, and mostly smoked. The nurses and medical officers remained with their patients until they : were safe in the boats. All pets were raved except some cats. There were no heroics, no fuss, but much humor, with absolute efficiency, due partly to the training and also to the trust . in the officers' skill in handling the shin. Tt was not altogether courage or bluff, but mainly British grit.