A DRAMATIC EXPLOIT

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13750, 25 April 1918, Page 5

A DRAMATIC EXPLOIT

THE NATION THRILLED. OLD TIME CUTTING-OUT RECALLED GERMANS COMPLETELY SURPRISED. "IT'S AMERICANS, IT'S YANKEES." RETURN OF THE VINDICTIVE. AN ALMOST INCREDIBLE FEAT. VALOUR OF THE STOKERS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received April 25, 10.40 a.m. LONDON, April 2i. Vice-Admiral Keys states that the dramatic exploit has thrilled the nation. It recalls the pluckiest of the old-time cutting-out expeditions. The gunfire was heard on the British coast during the greater part of the night, and intense excitement prevailed at Dover and Deal. When the ships returned the survivors told their tales. They were strange-looking objects—many black as niggers and others half naked owing to the loss of their kits, limping along with lirr' .• r" , >'yb -|_ aged during their hurried escape after the expedition had been completed. Survivors "state that they completely surprised the Germans, and reached Zeebrugge harbour almost unobserved, though the first cruiser to enter rammed a German destroyer which was attempting to slip out at high speed. The destroyer was cut amidships and sank like a stone. Meanwhile the shore batteries caught a glimpse of the Vindictive and sent up star-shells, making the night iike broad daylight. battery concentrated its fire on the attackers with shells of all calibres, inrhuM"ir f~ -inch/-"*. Th - Vindictive got inside the mole, being chiefly damaged above the waterline owing to the protection from the mole.

When the British marine* md sailors landed the Germans, almost with one voice sliouted, "It's Americans; it's Yankees." The Germans bolted en masse, from the nearest batteries, leaving the guns to the British. Some British boats boarded the German destroyers anchored in the harbour. These were also surprised. Some of the Germans hurried up the gangways wearing nightgowns, and "before they could reach the decks we tapped them on the heads v.l'.h »i._l clicks which we carried in addition to our rifles." The German guns on the decks were still covered with tarpaulins. The sailors and marines on the mnW quickly destroyed the guns, while the t!nme-*hrowers attacked the she,;.-, , •-. ,! ' mnilii ns stores. Meanwhile the con-crete-laden cruisers reached the harbour and were sunk.

Then the Vindictive picked up the landing parties and tried to leave the harbour. The escorting ships scarcely believed it possible that a vessel so damaged could keep afloat, but the stokers were so energetic that the Vindictive came back throwing 10-foot flames from her funnels, and in perhaps the fastest time she ever accomplished. The German lake batteries fired thousands of shells in the hope of hitting the escorting ships, which did not reply, in order not to reveal their whereabouts.

The survivors believe that the raid also resulted in the blowing up of the lock-gate at the entrance to the Bruges Canal.

The artificial fog screen used was invented by Commander Frank Brooks, son of the well-known fireworks maker, who was killed during the raid on Zeebrugge.

initiative, resource and daring expf.biexc.es ashore. hotter than the dardanelles. results of paramount IMPORTANCE. GRF.ATF.It OPERATIONS FORECAST. (Reuter's Telegrams.) Received April •>:>, 1.20 p.m. LONDON, April 24. Newspapers nut merely pay a tribute to Ho' initiative, r-'smirce and daring displayed in the r.i d. hut the elaborate preparations, including rehearsals for weeks. The m.>n state that during the hour they were ashore they were subjected t.i terrific machine-mm fire, which they returned with interest. GaMipoli veterans said that while it lasted it wis much hotter than the Dardanelles landing When the men returned (<i th-' rruis'T they found the decks t>irn up by the enemy lire Few of the crew caped injury. Experts h-lieve lli.it the results are of paramount importance. n<d merely on account of sealing up t!;.' Zeehnig.ee hornet's nest, hut probably because it is eonn>-cte.| with contemplated greater operations. AMERiCAH NAVAL COMMENT. UFFEXSIYE \GAINST SUBMARINES. EXTEXSIYE OPERATIONS PROBABLE. ;.'....:. :: •■ >_ v ■■ -m- v--n \ Reci-iv'il April 25, .'.">."> p.m. NEW YORK. April 2 5. Xavy oilleials. i miiiie-i.i.o- < n . . holll 11-- up of Zeebru.irue. express the belief that the Allies have beuun an offensive against the submarines winch will include the blocking of the German bases and increasing the niipe-flelds, also new detection ijeviees and .'in inCfei.sod uUl'sation of aircraft.