FOUGHT TO LAST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 111, 15 May 1942, Page 5

FOUGHT TO LAST

BRITISH DESTROYERS IN MEDITERRANEAN SURVIVORS LANDED AT ALEXANDRIA Rugby, May 13. The survivors from the three British destroyers, Lively, Jackal, and Kipling, which were lost in one of the fiercest air attacks yet seen in the Mediterranean, were landed at Alexandria to-day. according to an agency correspondent with the fleet. Some of them had twice within a few hours been on the vessels which were sunk. Those saved include Commander Jellicoe, a nephew of the famous AdI miral. Commander Jellicoe had been in temporary command of the Jackal. Although wounded, he remained on the bridge directing operations and was the last to leave the ship. At least one destroyer went down with her guns blazing. Most of the survivors owe their lives. to the skill cf the captain of the Jarvis, who brought his ship alongside the burning Jackal in pitch darkness. This enabled some 500 survivors from the three destroyers to walk to safety. Lying in hospital beds, two survivors of the Jackal said they were savagely attacked for four hours. Three waves of 10. 12, and 15 planes, including Messerschmitts and Junkers, came from all directions. The ships were steaming in diamond formation, full out, between Libya and Crete, when first attacked. The Lively was twice hit. but continued at full speed and turned on her side and sank within four minutes. The Jarvis and Kipling stopped to pick up the survivors, many of whom were killed when a stick of bombs fell in the water. Others suffered concussion. The Kipling was hit at 6 p.m., being buckled amidships. She floated on her side for some time before she sank. Many of the Lively’s survivors were killed when the Kipling was hit. The Jarvis picked up the Kipling’s survivors, some of whom were tvo hurs in the water. The final waves of attacking planes disabled the Jackal, starting a fire in the boiler room, but she continued firing. The Jarvis was not hit, but experienced near misses. She towed the Jackal and later she edged alongside and took off the crew and the survivors of the other destroyers. in the glow of the Jackal's fire, which was now uncontrollable. Finally the Jarvis sank the Jackal with torpedoes. - 8.0.W. RECRUITING IN INDIA (Reed. 11.45 p.m.) Rugby, May 14. It is reported that 55,000 persons monthly are offering themselves for recruitment in India. There has been a rush for recruitment since the Japanese entered the war. Large numbers are coming from Madras and some new battalions have been formed there. —8.0.W.