London, June 5.
Mr. Johnson stated that four men attempted to escape following the example set by Capt. Oram and Lieut. Woods, by use of the Davis life-saving apparatus. For an unknown reason, they were brought back into the submarine dead from failure or having drowned.
"I understand from the description 1 have had from those who escaped that it is rather alarming when you get into the chamber and feel the water rising gradually around yel creeping up right over your head he added.
One of the four was brought back alive into the submarine, but died later with the others. Two other members of the crew, Stoker Arnold and Shaw, took a chance and luckily reached the surface, "although practically exhausted."
"Capt. Oram and Lieut. Woods came up first because they were the most useful men in directing the rescue operations," Mr. Johnson added. "It was a most brave thing to do. They come un with the knowledge that they might be in an open sea with nobody to receive them."
(Continued on page 10)
London, June 4.
The entire country today mourned for the 99 men who perished aboard the submarine Thetis. In cathedrals, village churches, and aboard warships special prayers were offered.
A special signal from the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Fleet, Admiral Sir Charles Forbes, called 30,000 naval ratings to a special memorial service aboard every ship and all naval shore establishments in Portland.
A short religious service was held on the spot where the Thetis lies by those still present who participated in the attempt to save the lives of the crew.
It is announced that the Lord Mayor of London, Major Sir Frank Henry Bowater, will open on June 6 a Mansion House Fund on behalf of the dependents of the Thetis victims.
King's Message The King has sent a message to Earl Stanhope, First Lord of the Admiralty, stating: "The Queen and I are greatly distressed to hear of the disaster to the Thetis, which has been attended by the sad loss of so many lives. Please convey our deep sympathy to the relatives of those on boar Queen Mary also sent a message of heartfelt sympathy to the relatives of those who lost their lives, while telegrams were received from the heads of foreign countries, including one from Herr Hitler, who expressed his sympathy and those of the German people.
The country is awaiting with keen interest the result of the Admiralty Court of Enquiry.
The 99 men who perished in the disaster are said to include some of the best submarine designing and building experts in Britain.
Tt is announced that it will be some time before the submarine can be brought to the surface. Attempts are now being made to get her into a horizontal position with the aid of "camels," after which she will be towed to the nearest shallow water, probably the Anglesey coast, where she will be beached.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.