H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND

Southland Times, Issue 17816, 21 August 1916, Page 7

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND

SPLENDID SERVICE IN GREAT NAVAL FIGHT. The Scotsman publishes tho following from a special correspondent:— In the great battle the work of our battle cruisers so magnificently upheld the deathless traditions of the British Navy that any distinction between the parts played by them need not be 100 finely drawn, but the people of this country will share the gratification of the colonies on learning something of the place which the Now Zealand had in one of the greatest sea fights in history. From a reliable source I am able to furnish some information regarding the splendid ship and her place in the battle. Tho order of our battle cruisers as they went into action was as follows: —Lion (carrying tho fiag of 'Admiral Sir David Beatty), Princess Royal, Queen Mary, Tiger, New Zealand, and Indefatigable. The New Zealand flew tho flag of Admiral Pakenham, in the absence of His Majesty’s ship Australia, to which is given, as a, rule, that distinction, and thus jn a double sense was the vessel representative of a part of our Empire whose readiness in patriotic effort is been exemplary. In this connection, too, an interesting coincidence may be noted. When the New Zealand figured in tho Dogger Bank affair she also carried an admiral’s flag, for Sir A. Moore, who was second in command. She sailed into tho great adventure off the Jutland coast proudly bearing other evidences of her Antipodean connection. There floated in the breeze of tho eventful May evening the White Ensign and Union Jack presented by the women of New Zealand, which figured in her previous engagements also, and is now showing tho marks of action, though tho Maori emblem on the forepart of the fighting-top is so far practically unscathed. Whether the captain shares the superatitlpns of men "who go down to the sea in ships’’ X cannot profess to say, but I understand that ho fulfilled on this occasion the conditions attaching to a small greenstone charm given to his predecessor by a Maori chief. This tiki was to be worn by the captain who first took the ship into action, and that, I believe, was done. Of a Maori mat, also given by the patriotic and well - intentloned natives, which was to be donned by the captain action, I cannot say so much. Modern battle conditions on the sea do not permit of liberties in the direction of ceremonial dress. Perhaps before I leave tho more personal* side of the ship’s life -I may mention that tthe bulldog which has taken the place of a .better.known predecessor In the role of mascot, the former animal having died last year by an accident, slept peacefully through the action. Probably no better index to the spirit with which the men of the fleet went Into action could be given than the efforts Which tho crew of tho New Zealand made. Like everybody concerned, they were "itching for the scrap.” I am told that everything the men did was not faced unemotionally as a duty or executed mechanically as a task. The big heart of every sailor was in the job. With them all it seemed to be a personal matter. The New Zealand, men “down below” worked like Trojans. —A Speed Record. — They seemed to get every available ounce and more out of the ship. She was not expected, naturally, to produce the capacity of her battle companions, but she surprised her officers with her speed. It may be recalled that in the Dogger Bank affair she broke all her records for sailing,' but in the present instance she surpassed anything she had previously achieved Jn speed record, and had no difficulty in holding her place in the line. The fact 1s a splendid compliment to the splendid fellows below, who never spare themselves when. In the service diction of .the lower deck, there is “something doing.” When the scene of the conflict was reached, we and the enemy opened fire about tho same time at a range approximately 10 miles. A few minutes after tho opening of the battle, in which deadljtcwork and heavy damage was being done by the guns on both sides, the sinking of the Indefatigable left the New Zealand the rearmost ship in tho line. With the further reduction of . the line caused by the disappearance of the Queen Mary, the position of tho New Zealand became one of danger as well as honour, for in the arranging of battle position with tho coming of the reinforcements the ship held the place nearest to the enemy. There was a particularly hot spell at this time. The firing of the Germans was concentrated and intense, and the particular turning movement which was carried through at” that time is recalled by tho expressive phrase' "the', windy corner.” The fall of-pro-jectiles was fast and furious. The time was one of admitted anxiety for the daring cruisers, which was .allayed by the welcome view of the ships behind racing jlo the fray. —Tornado of Shell. —■ With the widening of the scope of the fighting there was a tornado of shell, it churned the sea with . its splashing. Splinters pattered on the . ships’ sides like hail, while over all was the roar of the guns. lam told that the New Zealand played her part right well. She seems almost to havahud.a charmed life, for her escapes were numerous and narrow, while her damage was of the slightest, and her casualties really negligible. I believe I am not exaggerating when I say that only two of her sailors were wounded. lam equally correct, 1 think. In suggesting that she gave a great deal more than she received. On the assumption that the unit of the enemy’s lino she was engaging was devoting its attention to her, there is evidence that tho German had much the worse of the encounter. After some 10 minutes' flighting, at any rate', his fire lost both in rapidity and accuracy, Tho slackening told its own tale. It should not be overlooked too, that the light was all in favour of the enemy. I am told that, whereas for tis this condition was exceedingly difficult, it was weli-nlght perfect for the Germans, who had us between them and the light while it lasted. —Torpedo Attack Fails.— From the source lam quoting 1 have confirmation of the view that the Germans suffered much more heavily than can be definitely ascertained. Only the disadvantageous weather conditions and the enemy's retreat prevented further knowledge of their damage us well as a jood deal more havoc among their ships. The immovable conviction among the men who were on tho spot is that the Germans were the beaten side actually as well as morally. Their daylight torpedo attack was an absolute failure. It was frustrated in tho cleverest fashion possible. Our light cruisers rushed in at tho right moment. The timing could scarcely have been better, and the attack was easily countered. From first to last it might, to ail appearances, so smartly was it conceived and carried •ut by our cruisers, have been a bit of work in manoeuvres done strictly by tho drill book. The men of pur fleet came home satisfied with what had been achieved. but disappointed In being deprived of the fruits of their will had they only had been left the way. The weather and the German refusal to “fight it out” arc at the bottom of the British Navy’s disappointment. Their outlook, however, is coloured with the hope that tho chance will yet come. If and when it does, t fancy the New Zealand men will much want to be there, and I know that they Will supplement with more glory a record of which they are the people of New Zealand and all of use can be justly proud.