A NAVAL HERO

Western Star, 14 September 1920, Page 3

A NAVAL HERO

PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFT The pathetic sight of a naval hero, privileged to wear a Distinguished Conduct Medal; a French Croix de Guerre, a. Medadle Militaire, and a 1914-15 Star, and with an honorable record of 12 years’ service in the British Navy, in the dock at City Police Court, Dunedin (says the Star), created a feeling of profound! sympathy and wonderment in those present in the court. Accused, who sat shaking, with his face buried in his hands, pleaded guilty to two thefts—the theft of £2 in money, and a watch and chain, valued at £2O, all the property of Elizabeth Maud Pledger. Chief-detective Bishop described the case as a “sad and regrettable one, in maii} r ways.’’ Accused, whose name was William Theodore Thompson, arrived in. New Zealand in June last, and came to Dunedin. Staying, at Warwick House, he met a young lady, and became engaged to her. She took him to her parents’ home, and later on he stayed there. AIT arrangements were made for the wedding, the banns being read out in church on two occasions. Accused obtained £6O from his girl’s mother, and set out to buy a house. With some of the money he bought part of his bride’s trousseau, and spent the rest of it himself. He then stole the watch and chain, and cleaned out. At one time he said he was an architect, carrying on business in Dunedin. Then he said he was a diver, and on one occasion borrowed underclothing from Mrs Pledger and brought them back wet to confirm his statement, probably ! having dipped them somewhere. “Tiie accused,” continued the Chief-detective, “ has a record of which any person would be proud.” He had been in the Navy for 12 years, and during the latter part of the war was a petty-officer. He possessed the D.C.M., the Croix de Guerre, the Medaille Militaire, and the 191-4-15 Star. The French decorations were won for the raid on Zeehrugge. Accused was one of the crew of the submarine which entered the harbour ahead of the Vindictive for the purpose of blocking the outlet. The mission accomplished, the submarine was blown up, and the crew were in the water for over 11 hours before being rescued by motor boats. In addition to this accused was on the submarine which performed the wonderful feat of going up the Narrows of the Dardanelles, diving under numerous rows of mines, and after entering the Dardanelles sinking several Turkish transports in the Seal of Marmora, and running right under the eyes

of Constantino pie. Accused had gone to Lumsden, said Mr Bishop, and asked for certain medicine from a doctor by which he thought he could commit suicide. The medicine which he was given, however, was harmless.

William Theodore Thompson, the naval hero, who was unfortunate in setting into the hands of the police fn Dunedin, was given a chance to make good. Full inquiries were made into l his statements, with regard to his career, and they were foundi to he correct. He detailed the submarine journey up the Dardanelles, and how they cut the nets, and were for 77 days in the Sea of Marmora, where ■they blew up three Turkish warships, besides many other vessels. Bounties are distributed for such particularly brilliant actions, but these are distributed over the whole squadron, and Thompson’s share for his adventurous submarine raid was 3/7. Thompson is the only one left of a. family of six. His sister was killed in London during i ;j, Zeppelin raid, and his four brothers were killed at the front.