PIRATE VON LUCKNER AND THE CRUISE OF THE SEEADLER

Observer, Volume XXXIX, Issue 48, 2 August 1919, Page 19

PIRATE YON LUCKNER AND THE CRUISE OF THE SEEADLER

SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS INSTALMENTS

Graaf Felix Yon Luckner—Native of Halle a Salle, Germany—Training in Imperial German Navy and part taken in Battle of Jutland—Brief sketch of his career prior to outbreak of war— Bhort account of first news of him received in the Dominion—Description of his ship, the '• See Adler," her equipment, etc.—Nature of his Commission from German naval authorities—Selection of crew and plans for evasion of British blockade—How "See Adler's ' papers were prepared, camouflage, etc.—Details of passage through North Sea and examination by British cruiser—How cruiser's officers were cleverly bluffed—Particulars of plan of escape had examination by cruiser resulted in capture—Commencement of raiding operations in the Atlantic First capture and how it was effected—How the steamer (the Gladys Royal) was disposed of —Dispositions regarding crew, etc.— fetalis of second capture—Why the vessel tried to run away after being fired at-The skipper's explanation—The "Sundy Island" Captured—A Sweet Cargo—Suspicions aroused and information gained as to course taken by ships—The Skipper's honeymoon, its interruption and resumption—A considerate Pirate—Capture of a fast and trim Frenchman—A rigid skipper and his crew. The Pirate revives old memories by capturing and boarding an old acquaintanceHe takes a great risk and gains useful information—How the information was utilised—Wireless at work—The ship with a funny flag and pious crew—A humorous ship whose " saving grace" did not save her.—A stern chase and some shooting—Accumulated prisoners and how they were disposed of.—Parting words ai>d a rude Dutchman.—Last raids in the Pacihc and a spell ashore.—Disaster overtakes the Pirate.-Salvage operations and good-bye " See Adler."- Camouflage at Cook Islands.—The bogus wager and faked letter.—A critical time and hurried departure. Wakaya Island aud the coming of the "Amra."—The Pirate is caught napping. — The Pirate in captivity. — The ''Amra" incident.—Sub-inspector bill's Version.—Planning Escapes.-Selecting Crew.— How Nautioal instruments were obtained.— Tapping the Wires.—The " Foxy Hun and a sword juggle.—Suspicions aroused.—The island patrolled.—The launch "Pirate" worries the Pirate.—The possibilities of Puhoi.-Unrealised hopes and promises unfulfilled —How stores, arms, etc., were obtained and bombs made.— Escape plans perfected for the dash for fieedom.—The second attempt to escape.—The dugout.—Promiscuous pilferings and much ingenuity.—How Ulse impressions were set up.— Crippling the telephone, etc.

After the six -weeks liad passed, and when the sea was calm, we would leave the island by carrying the collapsible boat down the gnlly to the sandy beach, and wait for a scow or a large yacht, and then put out and capture her, or as an alternative pull across to Tamaki, land there, and make our way either to Onehunga or Auckland, separating for the journey, and depending on our military uniforms to protect us so long as we took all necessary pro-, cautionsAt Auckland we could steal a scow or a large yacht from her anchorage, and possibly a launch to tow us clear enough to enable us to sail through Tiri. 1 knew there were several nno yachts in the harbour, and a few days' preparations ashore near Auckland, and an occasional trip here and there, would have enabled us to secure all the provisions required. We would have been strong enough (five) to capture a small steamer, provided she had plenty of coal. We were well provided with ready cash to buy anything required. Had there been a favourable opportunity we might have gone over to Waiheke on a week-end, or probably Motutapu, and captured a launch.

[CoI'XRIGHT RESERVED BY GiiDDIS & BLOMFIELD.]

I frequently noticed largo yachts passing the south side of the island on Saturdays, returning on Monday • morning. I also intended to make a call, if possible, at Maraetai, and bid goodby<> to New Zealand by blowing up the stock of explosives which I knew was stored there. Local prisoners had told me of this depot, and before destroying it I could have selected any explosives that would have been useful to sink ships with, etc. But all our planning and preparations came to naught, for, just as everything was ready, news of the armistice came, and "perhaps it was just as well. [The following matter was omitted from our last issue and should have followed that portion of the narrative detailing Yon Luckner's escape from Motuihi—Ed.] Freedom. Having got all my party aboard the launch, my next aim was to get clear of the island without being fired- ou. This was safely accomplished, and we werif soon speeding away over the waters of the Hauraki Gulf, passing down between Motuihi and Mofrutapu. Next morning found us making towards the Mercury Group of Islands, and on reaching these we concealed the- launch alongside a projecting rock. Leaving a part of my ci'ew to look alter the launch. I, with others, went a shore, and climbed to one of the highest positions on the island, from, whence we obtained a good view, but failed to see any signs of a vessel. I left two of my men behind with instructions to maintain a good look-out, and if a vessel were sighted to signal at once to the launch. Ho! for the Kermadecs. When I returned .to-the launch I. made an examination of our stores, and established a system of rationing until, as I hoped, we could add to them by capturing a ship. The problem now to be solved was what course to pursue, and after a good deal of discussion I resolved to make for the Ivermadec Islands, as I knew that, failing all other sources of supply, I would be able to replenish my stores there. Two days later the look-out on the hill signalled, and soon after his mate arrived at our landing place and breathlessly told me that two schooners were coming'up from the soiith. The man left on the hill was recalled, and all hands having got aboard, the launch we ran out, and saw the vessels, which were four or five miles apart. They were scows, and were moving north under full sail.

The "Moa" Captured. Having taken, a good look at them I ' made tip "my mind to capture the one ahead, and so steered directly for her. On getting within hail I saw that she was laden with timber, and on approaching closer her name, "Moa," was clearly seen. I hailed her, and said that I wished to communicate, which caused her skipper to bring his vessel into the wind and await us. When the launch had been made fast to the scow I jumped aboard, demanded her surrender, and asked for her captain.

A tall, elderlylooking man then said, "I am the master of this vessel, and it's hard luck to be taken like this." He seemed very angry. His name was William Beurke, and he had seen service in the British Navy. I told him that he and his crew were civilian prisoners of the Kaiser, and that they must strictly obey all my orders and make no resistance; also that they should be paid for the time spent in the Kaiser's service. The crew, consisting of four men and a boy, beside the captain, were then mustered. After I had inspected them I made provision for the watches, placing several of my men in each. Captain Bourke and his mate (Mr. Peterson) were made watch-keepers for the handling of the ship under my orders. The scow, which was a vessel of nearly one hundred and thirty tons, was then got under way on the starboard tack, and all sail set. As the scow was very heavily laden I decided to get rid of a lot of the lumber, so I ordered all hands to turn to and throw it overboard, and in a short time more than half of it was dealt withAt the Kermadecs. I now, according to my previous decision, made direct for the Kerniadecs, and crowded on all sail in order to reach them as quickly as possible. ■ ■ • - ■ Wo towed the motor boat (Pearl), but she capsized, and sank during a spoil of very bad weather. On the 21st December we reached tiie Kermadecs, and brought to in a cove of Curtis Island. I sent Lieutenant Kerscheiss with four men in the dinghy to raid the store of pro visions. This was done, and just as we were taking our spoil aboard the "Moa," Lieutenant Kescheiss shouted out, ''Smoke in sight." This caused much excitement, and it soon became plain that the vessel from which the smoke came was making for the island. The dinghy was at once brought back, and in a very short time the "Moa" got away, steering west, with everything set. As the on-coming steamer drew nearer we saw that she was a large vessel, and she soon signalled. I did not heed the signal, and determined to run for it, as we were making a good ten knots. (To be continued next week.)