DRAMATIC WAR EXPERIENCE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16763, 12 June 1920, Page 7

DRAMATIC WAR EXPERIENCE.

GERMAN CAPTAIN SURPRISED. Pilot Alfred Easton, who has been chosen for the task of navigating the Renown through Port Phillip Heads, figured prominently in a dramatic incident of the war, which, owing to the censorship, was not recorded at the time, and has hitherto remained unpublished (says the Sydney Sun). Several days after Britain had entered the war, a German steamer from Hamburg, the captain of which was unaware of the outbreak of hostilities, appeared off Port Phillip Heads. and signalled for a pilot. She was boarded by Pilot Easton, who refrained from acquainting the visitor with the news. Meanwhile the vessel proceeded safely through the entrance, and was approaching a point oil' Battersea, -where a naval launch was in waiting to place an armed guard on board. At this stage Pilot Easton addressing the German captain, said; “Wo’li slow down the engines to half-speed here!” Knowing from experience, gained during the many previous visits to the port, that this was an unusual proceeding, the Gorman skipper asked, “Why, pilot, why?” Realising that ho could now no longer conceal the news, Pilot Easton replied, “Because, captain, Britain and Germany arc at war.” Obviously staggered at this sudden disclosure, and furious with lago at having been “trapped,” as he described it, the German rushed to the steering wheel, with an oath, and, expressed his intention of “making a licit for it,” out to msi again. “ll’s no use, captain,” replied the pilot, “those guns on Fort Nepean are fully trained upon your ship, and if you attempt to escape they will sink her.’’ This warning caused the German to abandon his desperate resolve almost as quickly as it had been conceived, and to accept the situation with as much philosophy as conic] reasonably bo expected. Five minutes later a. detachment of bluejackets scrambled up tho liner’s side from the naval launch, and, taking possession of tho vetse), hauled down the German flag.