SAW GERMANS ABANDON TOBRUK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 208, 3 September 1943, Page 2

SAW GERMANS ABANDON TOBRUK

MARTON AIRMAN WHO HID IN A CAVE (0.C.) Marton, Aug. 29. An account of how, from a cave in which he was hiding, he watched the Germans prepare to abandon Tobruk has now been given by 22-year-old Flight-iLeutenant Jack Watts. D.F.C., of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who enlisted in Marton. On the night of November 11, says the Air Ministry, he navigated a Halifax to Tobruk, but a ; -ter releasing its big bombs the aircraft received a direct hit from an anti-aircraft shell and the order was given for everyone to bale out. "I had no Mae West,” said FlightLieutenant Watts, "so I knew I should have to swim for it. As I floated down I took off my flying boots and socks and undid my shirt. As soon as I hit the water 1 released my harness and took off all my clothes. "Then I started to swim towards Tobruk, guided by a huge fire. This was put out after an hour or so and I had to use the stars as a guide. After swimming for about four hours I reached the shore while it was still night. "I crawled up among the rocks and found a sort of cave—it really was a big crevice. "Next morning I saw a German sentry patrolling the beach about a quarter of a mile away. About half a mile away was what appeared to be a demolition squad. I also saw three ships leave the harbour. "I stayed in the cave for three days and nights without food or water or clothes. It was pretty hot in the daytime, but very cold at night. "During the days I could see the enemy making what appeared to be preparations to evacuate the port, for they destroyed a lot of equipment and there were fires at night along the harbour. "There was a building about half a mile away and, after I had watched it carefully without seeing any sign of movement. I decided to go there. I knew if I did not get food quickly I should be too weak to save myself. "I found the building and what is more I found a German uniform, some water, and a can of tomato juice. After I had dressed and finished the tomato juice I went to sleep. "Next morning I was awakened by the sound of a truck and then I heard English voices. I went outside and found three British military policemen. "They were just as surprised to see me as I was to see them. They told me Tobruk had been evacuated by the enemy and then they made me a big breakfast.”