North Sea Tragedy

Southland Times, Issue 17764, 24 September 1914, Page 5

North Sea Tragedy

THREE BRITISH CRUISERS SUNK By German Submarines TWO SUBMARINES DESTROYED German Armoured Merchantman Captured By H.M.S. Berwick FIGHTING ON THE AISNE Battle Still Raging ALLIES GAINING SLIGHTLY German Preparations for Retreat Serbs and Montenegrins Active AUSTRIAN SORTIE REPULSE®

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright) WELLINGTON. September 23, The High Commissioner reports, under date, London, September -2 (0.0 p.m.) Official: 'liie armoured ernisers Ahonkir, Hognc and Cressy Mere sunk by German submarines in the North Sea- The Abonkir was torpedoed, and while the Hogne and Cressy closed in and were standing by saving the crew they were also torpedoed. A considerable number of the crew were saved by a division of destroyers, trawlers, and boats. LONDON, September 23. Deceived September 23, 10.4.> p.m. Reuter has reported that two of the submarines which attacked the British ernisers were destroyed. PARIS, September 22. Received September 21, 12 Ji a.m. Official; On the Woevre the enemy made a violent attack on the heights of the Mense on the Tresanvaax - Vignonotlos - Landiconrl; front, hut was nnabie to gain a footing on the heights. The enemy on our right at Lorraine has again crossed the frontier, and with the services of small columns has reoeenpied Domenx. south of Blamont We on Sunday and Monday captured twenty motor ears, with staff and a number of prisoners. The enemy along the entire front of the Oise and the Woevre were active on Monday without any appreciable result. The eneinj on our left, on the right bank of the Oise, has been forced to give ground. The situation between the Oise and the Aisno is unchanged. The enemy has not made a serious attack hut continued'a prolonged cannonade. On Monday evening the enemy between IJheirns and Sonvain attempted an offensive movement, lint were repulsed. Wo have made some progress between Sonvain and Argonne, but there is no change between Argonne and the Meuse.

FIGHTING ON THE AISNE. BECOMES LESS VIOLENT. ALLIES’ APPRECIABLE PROGRESS. MOVEMENT OF GERMAN TROOPS. PARIS Sepl. JJ. It is officially staled that the fighting has he.cn less violent, and that the Allies have made appreciable progress, particularly between Rhcinis and Argentic. LONDON .Sept. 22. Tho Daily Mail stales that frcsli German troops arc arriving from Belgium, via. Peruwelz. on the Belgian herder, and AlinovcaUi, and lhat strong reinforcements have arrived at, Cambra.i, where' enormous convoys are gathered. Tho Germans hastily evacuated Arras, Reuter's Antwerp .correspondent lias confirmed the report lhat General von Kluck’s staff has been transferred to Mons, implying an impending retreat. A largo number of civilians from the Metz district axe burying the dead in thousands. These include the bodies of French and English, together with those of three thousand Gormans. Mr Philip Gibbs. the journalist, states that the accuracy and rapidity of the German gunners were particularly remarkable at Soissons, where the gunners were assisted by aviators who dropped scraps of paper and bombs acting os smoke signals. In one case cn Friday. 11-inch guns dropped shells close to the British headquarters. Several of the staff had narrow escapes and the headquarters were immediately shifted. Within half an hour 50 shells were dropped in the same spot THE DESTRUCTION OF BUB IMS. STATEMENT BY AN EVE-WITNESS. AN ACT OF BARBARIANS. THE POPE EXPRESSES HORROR. LONDON, Sept. 22. An eye-witness of, tho destruction at Rhoims states that shells killed several German wounded in the Cathedral, and four sisters of Mercy lay dead on the floor. Notwithstanding the entrv of shells, women knelt round in prayer, apparently beseeching the intercession of Joan of Arc, whose statue within tho Cathedral, like that outside, was unharmed. A shell reduced tho statue of the Virgin to dust. Clergy remained within the building comforting the frightened people unlii a fire started in the belfry, which fell with a tremendous crash, and presented a sight resembling a gigantic set piece of fireworks. It is estimated that the Gorman visitation caused damage to the extent of four millions. PARIS, Sept. 22. M Maurice Barres, a member of the French Academy, commenting on the destruction of Rheims Cathedral, says; ‘Tt is satisfactory to know that no shells fell on our battalions. At the present moment I prefer the humblest French infantryman to the worthiest works of art. These we will recreate so long as the essential thing of our nations remains. This is the reply our artists and patriots can make to this deed.” , „ Scarcely a house round Rheims cathedral is undamaged, but the statue of Joan of Arc. in front of the Cathedral has escaped. Whenever the FTench artillery became aggressive the Germans shelled the Cathedral. It is estimated that between three and five hundred civilians perished. The French left was reinforced by heavier guns capable of reaching the huge German ordnance. These guns are now searching the enemy’s trenches with paralysing effect

ROME, Sept. JJ. The Pope lias expressed horror at the destruction of Rhcinis < ,'atliedral. lie remarked that it was scarcely credible lhat. in Uic twentieth century, we should be plunged hack to the days of All i 1 a. ajw rrTcxDEJsnr op senlis. A TOBACCONIST'S FATE. LONDON, Sept. JJ. A tobacconist at Kenlis. exasperated l.y the insolence of the invaders, declared: “I will servo men, not bullies.” He was hurled to his knees and Ms wife rushed oul shrieking for mercy. Both were shot. The townspeople thereupon became infuriated and tired upon (lie soldiers. Guns were then turned upon the town, killing men, women and children. From tin- shattered houses people ran out wounded and terrified. The horrible bombardment continued till the, town was wrecked. Within an hour the Tnreo.s arrived and pursued and punished the barbarians. THE AUSTRIAN AEITY. BETSEAI FROM GAEICIA, PETROGRAD. .Sept. JJ. Tin; Austrian retreat from Galicia was so rapid that the Russians had to cover twenty-five miles a day to keep in touch with the retreating columns. The Austrians turned back at one point on the San. but the, Russians, tli rowing three pontoons over, dashed across. Then ensued a fierce, hand to liana struggle. The cavalry’s iiorscs were shot down and men’s legs shuttered. but they continued to fire as they lay on the ground. At length a bayonet charge put the Austrians to (light. General DimitrietT has been decorated for his brilliant and successful resistance against the Austrians, who attempted to recapture Lemberg. For iour days and nights lie was fighting against odds of four to one. Lemberg, according to population, is the. fourth city in 11m Austrian Empire, coming after Vienna, Prague, and Trieste. It is (lie most important city of the crownland of Galicia, of which it: is the capital, it is 4GS miles north-west of Vienna by rail, and is situated on the small river Pel tew. an affluent of the Bug, in the valley of the Sarmatian plateau, and is surrounded by hills. General Kadko Dimitrieff, who is leading a. division of the Russian Army, was tVic hero of Kirk Kilisse, and lias had an eventful military and political career. Born in 1859 in tho Balkan village of Grade be, near Kotel, tie entered Bio Eastern Kumclian Militia, as Lieutenant in 1879, and in the following year was sent to Russia in order ’ to pursue his military studies. Returning in 1884. lie took part in the revolution of the following year and was subsequently appointed Chief of Staff in the Eastern Army Corps, He was present at the battles of Dragoman. Tzaribrod and Plrot, and was decorated with the Order of Bravery by Prince Alexander, in whose capture and expulsion from Bulgaria he played a leading part. After the counter-revolution he fled to Russia where ho remained till 1898, when lie returned to Sofia, receiving a staff appointment in the Bulgarian Army. In 1904 lie became Chief of Staff, and in tho following year lie received 'the rank of major-general. It is stated 'that he attained much success in training the younger officers of his stall’ and has done good service in the general preparation of equipment. In Uie Balkan War General Dimitrieff at rirst commanded the Third Bulgarian Army fof 80,000 men), and in that capacity took part in the battle of Lcliolu. His principal task during the

campaign in Thrace, however, was the redaction 'of Kirk KXlissc; an ‘ important depot and. road centre guarded by two modern forts. The Bulgarian Com-mander-ln-Chief, General Savoy, had Intended to delay this Enterprise' until the investment of Adrianople, was sufficiently far advanced to secure It from interference, but General. Dimltrieff pushed on so vigorously that the Turks suffered a severe defeat and were compelled to abandon Kirk Kili.sse, with its forts and its immense supplies of material, as well as 50 field guns. From the outset General Dimltrieff was regarded as the most brilliant troop leader in the Bulgarian army and soon after the battle of Kirk Kilisse both the first and third Bulgarian armies were placed under his tactical direction. RECRUITING IN BRITAIN. winston Churchill’S appeal a million men wanted . LONDON', Sept. 2". Mr Winston Churchill, at a meeting of 50,000 in Liverpool, appealed for a million men to join General French’s gallant army. They had no need to bo anxious about tho result. God had blessed onr armies with unexpected good fortune, and the British Empire could, unless its resolution failed, finally settle the matter as it chose. The navy was unable to fight while the enemy sought the shelter of its forts, but we were enjoying, without battle, all advantages given by’ the command of the sea, although he hoped that'the navy would have a. chance of settling the question with ttie German fleet. Unless its enemies came out and fought they would be dug out like rats out of a hole. He had an opportunity of learning the extent of German espionage in Britain, whereby bribery a.nd subornation were employed to obtain information about the navy. Every dirty little German lieutenant on leave in England had thought to curry favour with his superiors by supplying all the details he discovered. 'Well, if they liked to come, they knew the way. We had not sought the subjugation of Germany or Austria. However complete our victory, the worst that could happen to them after peace was that they would be set free to live and let live fairly and justly. Peace might be arranged in good time, but not with Prussian militarism. There could be no peace short of one which dug tho grave of that violent tyranny. Mr Churchill's speech was received with cheers. GEEMAHT’S AIM. TO ESTABLISH MUITAEY DESPOTISM. LONDON, Sept. 22. Lord Lansdownc, at Nottingham, said that the Germans’ aim was to establish military despotism from the North Sea to the Mediterranean and Adriatic by means of aggressive, unscrupulous diplomacy, the basis of which was a complete disregard for treaty obligations whenever these were inconvenient to herself. “We are aware,” lie continued, "that when Germany declared war she meant to wage it ruthlessly and pitilessly, and although Germany has suggested the declaration of i drawn game, there is no intention, so far as we are concerned. of declaring the innings closed. Tho game is well worth winning, and, under Providence, we mean to win it." NATAL EXPENDITTOE. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) LONDON, Sept. 22. The Admiralty return of annual expenditure for the current year shows that Britain spent fifty-two millions, Germany twenty-three millions. Prance twenty-five millions, Bussia twenty-six millions, Austria seven millions, and America thirty millions. The personnel of the Entente's navy is 250,000 and that of Germany and Austria 1112.000. THE RAIDERS. KOKIGSBEEG AND EMEEN , (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 22. The Ivonigsberg. at five in the morning. disabled a British patrol boat with three shots, shooting very accurately. The Pegasus’ broadside was engaged. Inti the guns were disabled in fifteen minutes. Most of the casualties were round the guns. The flag of truce was shot away and the marines held it up by hand. The Emilen sank the Gian Matheson in the Bay of Bengal. The ialter’s crew ere landed it) Rangoon. GXNEE.4L WAE NOTES. LONDON, Sept. 22. Tiie Controller of .Patents stales in a Ocrman patent transferred to a British firm royally' must he paid to tho patentee. both during anti after the star. The Board of Trade is issuing reports from foreign consuls mentioning the classes of goods hitherto imported from Germany which countries are now desirous to purchase. In view of Australia’s action in seizing wiical, merchants arc discussing the question of cancelling contracts. A Lille newspaper states that King Albert of Belgium had a narrow escape during a tour of inspection. His chauffeur made towards the German lines. The King ordered him to stop, hut he continued at full speed, whereupon King Albert shot him. A document was found in the cha ffour's pocket: offering a million francs for (he capture of tiic King. The Pctrograd press says that Russia is in no mood to accept a set llcincnt which docs nol guarantee the future inability of Germany to disturb the peace of Europe. Guarantees must be given to enable Belgium to independently defend her integrity against Germany. Bussia doesn’t, require German territory. The Grand Duchess Olga, sister of the Czar, has Joined the Bed Cross, concealing her identity. An officer who recognised her asked permission to kiss Iter hand, but Olga placed her finger upon his lips and commanded him to address Iter simply as "Bister." LONDON*. .Sept. 22. neuter's New York correspondent, states Unit the United States has decided that merchantmen of belligerent nations, entering iter ports, may carry guns of :t calibre not exceeding six inches for defence without acquiring a charter as ships of war. The guns must not be mounted forward, and only a little ammunition will be allowed to be carried. The vessel must also be manned by the same number as that comprised her crew before the war. BATHS. Sept. 22. The city is becoming restless at the delay of the Government in returning from Bordeaux. NEW YOIIK. Sept. 22. Cablegrams from German sources indicate that there is widespread disappointment at the course of events. The people are becoming discontented, particularly in the manufacturing districts, which are realising tha.t Germany s foreign trade is lost. GEBEA3J CEETSEB. SiraOC BY JAPANESE TOEFEDOEB. PEKIN, Sept. 22. Advices from Tsiao report that a German cruiser was sunk by a Japanese torpedo boat outside Kia.o-chau. ITALY HE MAINS NXETBAL. BOME, Sept .’* 22. The Italian Government is determined to remain neutral. There have been many demonstrations. The Liberal parties insist on the resignation of Marquis di San Guiliano, Minister for 'Foreign Affairs. LOYALTY OP THE BOEUS CAPETOWN, Sept. 22. A crowded meeting at Bethlehem, which is a strong- Hertzogite centre, overwhelmingly supported the. Government’s operations against German Southwest Africa. AUSTRALIA AND ENGLAND. MELBOURNE. Sept. -2. Mr A. Fisher (the Federal Premier) at the Royal Show luncheon, look ihe opportunity of assuring the Mother Country that her dominion was with her in success and in her difficulties. Australia would tell her again and again, and the enemy, too, if it cared to hear, that she was prepared to be sacrificed with England if necessity arose.