SURVIVORS STATEMENTS.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14548, 23 October 1917, Page 6

SURVIVORS STATEMENTS.

DESTROYERS HOPELESSLY OUT

MATCHED

GALLANTRY OF THE CHEWS.

(COLD-BLOODED MURDER OF DEFEXC'EI,ESS SAILORS.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.}

(Received Oct. 2r, 5.5 p.m.)

Copenhagen, Oct. 21

Tho adir-irni commanding at Chrisfcianip- reports that tlo convoy survivors reached Bc-rgeu. They etate that tho convoy, consisting of twelve merchantmen escorted by Wo British destroyer-, was attacked on W<xh\6Bclay morning by two largo German warships. Tho latter ordered the convoy to pi-op, and started firing immediately, quickly winking the destroyers, which were inferior in size and equipment. The merchantmen were then sunk seriatim. The firing lasted an hour. Tbe merchantmen launched some lifeboats, but the boats filled in the heavy naii. After all the vessels had been sunk tho enemy departed. The survivors saved Several men irom the wreckage, and reael-ed [Norway after two days' suffering in the open sea.

It is reported that fifteen survivors Irom tho British destroyora readied Norway. Eighty-five sailors in the convoy perished.

Tie captain of the Norwegian steamer Kerßtino. tho sole survivor from his ship, states that his crew took to tho fioats, but the Germans continued firing. A shell hit one boat and killed laino. The crew in despair returned to ,tbo steamer, and sigualled to stop tiring, with out result.

The German press-utter a chorus of exulting praise, seeing in tin's and the Qesel operations proof of the hold offensive spirit of the German fleet.

'Piip. "vJr\. >UVi. U:V.vito" puhlisllOS art article headed "Where is tlie British Fleet?"

Two officers and eight men, survivors of tlo Mary Rose, who were lauded at 43crgen, will not be interned, aa they were rescued by a Norwegian life boat after tho destroy-ar ha-f! sunk.

Further reports state that tho British destroyers fought gallantly, hut were sunk in half 'in hour, the men ■Jbravely sticking to the guns to the Vast.

Terrible scenes were enacted on the Seeks of the defonceloss merchantmen, many sailors being killed.

The weather is now calm, and it is hoped trat there will be further survivors.