"Over There" with the Australians by R. Hugh (Reginald Hugh) Knyvett
page 104 of 249 (41%)
page 104 of 249 (41%)
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achieved lasting fame in that it passed under the mine-field, through
the Narrows, across the Sea of Marmora, and into the port of Constantinople. Right between the teeth of the Turkish forts and fleet it sank seven Turkish troop-ships and returned safely. A certain town in Australia that was called "Germanton" has been rechristened "Holbrook" in honor of the commander of this gallant little craft. * * * * * * Every one has heard the story of the destruction of the _Emden_ by the Australian cruiser _Sydney_, but it is worth bringing to notice that the captain of the _Emden_ was of a different type from the pirates who have made the German sailor the most loathed creature that breathes. It is hard to believe that he was a German, for it seems incredible that a German sailor would refrain from sinking a ship because there was a woman on board. One can imagine that he would be ostracized by his brother officers of the wardroom, for he actually had accompanying him a spare ship on which to put the crews of the ships he sank. One can hardly imagine him sitting at mess with the much-decorated murderer of the women and children on the _Lusitania_, and it is the latter who is the popular hero in Germany. There are none more ready than the Australian soldiers to show chivalry to an honorable foe, and when the _Sydney_ brought Captain Mueller and the crew of the _Emden_ among the troop-ships these prisoners were cheered again and again. They could not understand their reception, but the lads from Australia admired these brave men for their plucky fight and clever exploits. Would they, had they not been captured early in the war, have changed and become like the vile, cowardly sharks that infest the seas in U-boats? * * * * * * |
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