LOST SUBMARINE

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17787, 12 August 1929, Page 7

LOST SUBMARINE

CAPTAIN ORAM ACQUITTED. MYSTERY OF A MESSAGE. (Australian Press Association.) LONDON, August 9The court-martial acquitted Captain Oram, of Ll2, charged with contributory negligence in the navigation of his ship. There was some conflict regarding the message sent from the bridge to Captain Oram. The defence submitted that the evidence showed the messenger had failed to deliver the message.

Submarine H 47 was sunk as a result of a collision with Ll2 in St. George's Channel near St. David's Head, Pembrokeshire, on July 8. 1147 was sunk in 45 fathoms of water, the death roll being 23. Lieutenant Gardner who commanded the lost boat was rescued with the telegraphist as they were on deck at the time of the collision. Lieutenant Claud Keen, the navigating officer of LI2, was recently court-martialled for failing tq. avoid H 47. He was held blameworthy, severely reprimanded and dismissed from his ship. Lieut. Robert Gardner, who commanded 1147, was courtmartialled f:• losing or hazarding his ship, buf was acquitted. He was, however, convicted of failing to avoid or minimise the negligent handling of Ll2, and was severely reprimanded. The message referred to above was allegedly sent from the bridge of Ll2 and was as follows: “1147 crossing our hows. Can we slow down?” This message Commander Oram declared he did not receive, though evidence was given that it had been sent down the speaking lube.