- from ‘The War Budget’ May 22nd, 1915
- 'The Deathless Story of the Lusitania'
- by Gerard Fiennes
Muder Most Foul on the Open Seas
British artists impressions
England will not forget those who have died in her cause
On Friday, May 7th. the Cunard steamship, Lusitania. bound from New York to Liverpool with just under two thousand souls on board, was torpedoed without warning off the Old Bead of Kinsale by a German submarine or submarines, and sank in about twenty .minutes. Seven hundred of her passengers and crow were landed at Queentown and Kinsale, of whom about fifty were dead or dying. The rest are missing.
Such a plain statement of fact would be sufficient to arouse the horror and indignation of the whole world. No possible excuse or explanation could suffice to wash from the hands of the Kaiser and von Tirpitz the damned spot which doth “the multitudinous seas incarnadine." But let the tale be told from the beginning.
On May 1st the Lusitania left New York, having on board of her a company which included British, Americans, Dutch. Scandinavians, Italians, Creeks, Spaniards, Persians even. Almost every neutral nation in the world was represented, and all were civilians, travelling upon their lawful occasions of business and pleasure. Among them, Mr. G. A. Vanderbilt, millionaire and sportsman; Mr. Charles Frohmann. the well-known theatrical manager.; Mr. D A. Thomas. M.P. and his daughter, Lady Mackworth; Sir Hugh Lane, Lady Allan, and main others notable in various ways. Among them was an unusual number of children, many of them babies in arms.
Before the ship sailed, the extraordinary advertisement primed on this page appeared in the American Press.
This "formal" notice was followed by anonymous messages sent to persons intending to travel in the Lusitania warning them not to embark in her. The Germans said, "We did it to ease our conscience, lest harm should come to persons uninformed." But the recipients laughed at the warning, when they did not curse their impudence, and the great ship sailed proudly out of New York harbour, the Blue Ensign floating over her talfrail.
The infernal plot had been well and truly laid. The Lusitania was a prize particularly desired of the Germans for many reasons. She represented the successful effort of the British to recover the "blue riband of the Atlantic" from Heir Ballin. When the Morgan Combine was formed twelve or thirteen years ago and other British lines passed under American control (which was to a great extent German), the British Government advanced over two millions and a-half to the Cunard Company on easy terms to build two ships which should be the largest and fastest crossing the Atlantic, and should, under all circumstances, remain wholly British. The Lusitania and Mauritania were built to Admiralty specifications, of exceptional strength of scantling, to steam twenty-five knots, and to be at the disposal of the Admiralty as reserve cruisers when they should be required. It is noteworthy, and to be noted, in view of the sequel, that, while the Admiralty have taken up a number of ships P & 0., Orient. White Star, and other Cunarders, including the latest and biggest, the Aquitania. they did not take up these two -hips on which they had a special lien. The Lusitania, though nine yeara old, still held the "blue riband," and there is no doubt that Heir Ballin, who deeply resented the fact that the British Government subsidised her construction, used all his influence to have her out of the way when peace shall once more, if ever, restore the normal competition.
After a fortnight's comparative quiescence in the pirate campaign. during which the officers of the "U" boats apparently confined themselves to sinking neutral- and British trawlers in the North Sea, they made their presence felt once more in the- Atlantic. Two fair-sized liners, the Candidate and the Centurion, were sunk, the one off the Scullies, the other some twenty-five miles from Waterford, in the earlier part of last week. It is almost certain that there was mere than one enemy vessel in these waters, and that they were of a bigger type than the Germans had hitherto employed. One was identified as F39, a vessel which certainly had no existence before the war. These ships arc said to be submarine cruisers of 1,400 tons, steaming twenty knots on the surface and fourteen submerged, and with a radius of action of 4,000 miles. The Germans rely upon them to "fasten the. necktie round John Hull's neck" which shall strangle him into submission. Thus the plot was laid.
On board the Lusitania the chance of falling in with a German submarine was the chief topic of conversation and of merriment throughout the voyage. The, passengers were entirely at their ease. They had the assurance of their Captain that no German war vessel on the water or beneath it could touch a ship of the Lusitania's speed; The weather was delightful, and they had faith in their Captain. The German threat was all that was needed to give zest to the monotonous business of "crossing the herring-pond."
Captain William Thomas Turner, a sturdy British seaman of the clean-cut, square- jawed type, was in command. He had been in the service of the Cunard Company for years, starting as cabin boy, and winning his way up to the highest position of trust. He was taking the place of Captain Dow. the skipper who three months ago brought the Lusitania into Liverpool under the Stars and Stripes. Captain Tumor was previously in command of the Aquitania until that huge vessel was taken up by the Government as an auxiliary cruiser.
At 11 a.m. on Friday, 7th inst., the Lusitania was off the Fa-a net, in a fog, with her syren sounding and her speed reduced to fifteen knots. It had been an unusually long passage for her, and it is supposed that she took the southerly course prescribed for liners since the Titanic disaster, when there is likely to be ice about. Besides, for some reason "which is not clear, the speed of the Cunarders has been limited to 21 knots since the war began. Now, at any rate; she was following the " omnibus route," which brings all ships, after they have made their landfall, to a point from eight to twelve miles off the Old Head of Kinsale, where they make their numbers to the signal station and are reported to Lloyd's. From the sounding of the syren it might be supposed that all thought of danger was absent from the mind of the Captain and his officers. But they were already receiving wireless messages, warning them that German submarines were in the neighbourhood, and giving them instructions as to their course! What those instructions were, and whether they were carried out, we do not know at present, so all judgment, both of the Admiralty and of the Captain, must in justice be suspended.
The fog cleared, and Captain Turner increased speed to 18 knots. No more, because he wished to reach Liverpool three hours or so before high water, in order that he might take his 'ship straight in without stopping to pick up a pilot. It is not, however, likely that a few knots more or less made the difference between safety and destruction in this instance.
The passengers loitered on deck, enjoying the warm sunshine, the bright, smooth sea and the view of the green shores of Ireland as they slid by. Luncheon time came, and most of them went below. They were finishing their meal, and the hand was playing "Tipperary," when a muffled, knocking stroke was felt, rather than heard, and the ship took a list to starboard. Everyone knew what had happened, but danger was not yet in their thoughts.
It's all right," said one; "she has struck a small mine, that's all. She can't sink."
So they filed out of the luxurious dining-room, up the canted companion-way, and went to their cabins to find lifebelts, in case the impossible worst should happen.
Above them and below them there was greater realisation, a truer knowledge. The brute torpedo struck the ship on her starboard side close to the main engine room. Water and flying debris were hurled a hundred feet into the air; the boilers "jack- knifed" — doubled up like a folding knife — causing in all probability the second explosion, which was taken for a second torpedo; the main steam pipe was cut, and the engines "put out of commission," to quote the expressive phrase used by Captain Turner at the inquest. Many of the stokers and the 'tween-deck stewards were killed or maimed by the explosions.
Those on the lofty upper decks of the liner saw more of what happened, naturally, than those who were at luncheon. Several declare that they saw the periscope of a submarine— of two submarines—and that the Lusitania, pursuing a zigzag course to avoid that on the port hand, ran into the jaws of that on the starboard. But there is no very good evidence to support the statement. Captain Turner, in his evidence, says that neither he nor the Second Officer, who was on the bridge with him, saw anything of the vessel. The first he knew of the attack was when lie heard the Second Officer say, "Here's a torpedo"—as he might have said, "Here's a porpoise." The Captain was just in time to see the streak of bubbles approaching the ship. Mr. Burt, a passenger, says he saw the torpedo approaching the ship, running very shallow. only about three feet below the surface. His evidence agrees with the Captain's in this respect, and it shows that the Germans were out to kill, for at that depth is was certain that the explosion itself must cause slaughter among those on board. One thing is perfectly clear: that not the smallest warning of any sort or kind was given before the shots were fired.
The passengers displayed the most admirable coolness. An American gentleman, when the explosion took place, was heard to say, "By Heaven, they've done it," as if something had come off against which he had laid a bet. Oliver Bernard was watching the missile approach with a sort of paralysed fascination, when a lady, also an American said to him in an even voice, "That isn't a torpedo, is it?” When the first list to starboard ceased, complete faith in stability of the ship returned. "We shall get into Queenstown all right," were the words with which the male passengers reassured the women.
But now sterner qualities than mere insouciance were called for. The wireless operators had just time to send the message, "Come quick, heavy list," when the water stopped the dynamos. Captain Turner had had the water-tight doors closed and the boats on the davits swung out when the ship entered the danger zone. But the explosion burst the doors open and, for two reasons, but few of the boats could be launched. In the first place the heavy list to starboard swung those on the port side inboard, so that they could not be put into the sea. In the second place, the engines being out of commission it was impossible to stop the way of the ship, and she continued to slide forward till she slid beneath the waves. Captain Turner ordered the boats to be lowered to the rails and then gave the order, unwonted under such circumstances that they; were not to be launched. They must inevitably have capsized when they touched the water. This order was resented by some of the passengers, and one of them, revolver in hand, threatened "to shoot the first man who did not launch a boat." The proximity of the Hibernian coast must have affected him. The boat was lowered, was swept against the side of the ship, and was capsized.
Now the heroism which these events bring forth began to shine out. The old cry of the sea, "Women and children first," was heard, and as far as possible obeyed. Mr. Frehmann stood on one of the upper decks. "Why fear death? It is the sweetest adventure of life," he was heard to say, quoting Peter Pan. His body was found later, and its calm features show that he had found the words true.
Mr. Vanderbilt died as that other American millionaire died on board the Titanic. He and his valet made it their business to collect all the "kiddies" they could and place them in the boats. Then he took off his own lifebelt, though unable to swim, and gave it to a frightened old woman. And so he died. An Astor and a Vanderbilt have perished heroically at sea within three years of each other. Shall we come to say "richesse oblige" as we say "noblesse oblige."
A boy of fourteen, whose name is unrecorded, took in his charge a lady and a little girl. He saw them safely into a boat. Then he stood back on the deck and awaited the end without flinching. M. Papadopoulo, a Greek, put his wife and daughter into a boat. Seeing no more women about, be asked, and obtained, permission to follow them. But before the boat could be lowered another woman appeared. The brave Greek immediately left the boat and put her in his place. He was seen standing with folded arms on deck. Then a funnel fell upon him and killed him. Captain Turner stood on the bridge till the ship sank beneath him. At the last he turned to the Quartermaster and said, "Do the best you can for yourself. Your job is done. Good- bye!" Happily, after being in the water for two hours and a-half, the Captain was saved.
These things happened in far less space of time than it has taken to write them. The Lusitania was struck at 2.12. At 2.33, before all were clear, she slid beneath the waters so gently that there was no maelstrom to pull down those who struggled around her. It seemed she was careful to the last for her own. Howbeit. some of the passengers had a strange adventure. They were drawn into the great funnels, and then shot out again by a final explosion, one right into a boat, another close to a pile of floating wreckage. Both were saved. Then arose that heartrending wail which rung out over the icy, moonlight sea when the Titanic foundered, long-drawn and piteous, with a tragic diminuendo forerunning the dread silence. And there were scenes in the water which strong men afterwards could not tell for their tears. Mrs. Adams, of Bristol, whose husband is serving at the front, came near a boat with the body of her dead child in her arms. Hands were stretched out to her. "Let me first bury my dead." she exclaimed, and committed the body of the little one tenderly to the deep. Another woman was picked up with three childeren clasped to 'her. Two were already dead. The boat was overcrowded, and she was gently told that the bodies must be returned to the sea.
"They are mine to keep and mine to bury," she said, and with a broken prayer, placed them over the side. The third child, a baby of a few months, died as she reached Queenstown.
So rests the Lusitania and eleven hundred or more—the precise number is still uncertain—of those who sailed in her, in fifty fathom of water, eight miles S.W. of the Old Head of Kinsale. The Coroner's Jury found a verdict of wilful murder against the Kaiser, Admiral von Tirpitz, and the officers and crows of the pirate craft which took part in this devilish assassination. The verdict is just, if for the moment futile. The Germans have made some sort of attempt to justify the deed. Open rejoicing is tempered with hypocritical expressions of sorrow for those who have lost their lives, and a brazen assertion that they brought it upon themselves. They allege justification, in the first place, because of the "inhuman plan of England to starve the women and children of Germany." This is not arguable. If the Germans think that the exercise by us of the undoubted right of a belligerent to cut off an enemy's trade justifies wholesale slaughter without warning and without opportunity to save life, they are alone in all the world in thinking so.
Next they allege that the Lusitania was armed. This is denied by the Admiralty, and the denial is confirmed by the Inspector of Customs at New York, and by the testimony of neutral passengers.
Again, they say it is "proved" that the ship was carrying 5,400 tons of war material for the British Government. Proof, to a German, means that he has asserted that it is so. The Admiralty have made no statement on this point, and, for obvious reasons, will make none. If it be true, it is pertinent to ask whether Count Bernstorff abused his privilege as Ambassador to the United States to communicate the fact to his Government, arid thus enter into a plot for the destruction of the ship. But, for good and sufficient reasons which it would take too long to give, concerning port regulations, it is highly improbable that the story is true, and, if it were, it would afford no sort of justification for the act of the Germans in sinking the ship without search, and without making provision for the safety of those on board her. If they are really of opinion that the acquisition of a few tons of military stores by this country outweighs the enormity of sending eleven hundred innocent people to their death, it is only one proof the more that the world cannot continue in safety while Prussianism retains the power to do mischief.
While it is agreed on all hands that the passengers behaved with cool courage, there are some charges of lack of discipline among the crow. As Lord Mersey is to preside over a Committee, which will inquire into all the circumstances, it would be unfair to comment upon this. However, it may be said that, according to one passenger, the men appeared too weak to handle the boats and to get them outboard. It is a singular criticism. But it is to be remembered that most of the most efficient men of the Merchant Service are in the Royal Naval Reserve and have been called tip by the Admiralty. It would not be wonderful if the crew of the Lusitania were not quite up to the ordinary high standard of the Canard. As regards the navigation of the ship, there is the same necessity to be sparing of comment. The points to be elucidated are: (1) Whether, under the circumstances, it was wise to use the syren during the thick weather which prevailed off the Fastnet; (2) whether, and if so, why the ordinary "omnibus route" was kept; (3) whether the reduction of speed to eighteen knots in any way contributed to the disaster. I am not myself inclined to think that it did. The submarine probably fired her torpedo from a range of not more than 200 yards, for the weapons used by the "U" boats are of a short-range type, carrying a very heavy war-head, and, so long as the course was exactly known, it was a comparatively easy matter so to "draw a bead" that the torpedo would be bound to hit.
There has been a tendency both here and in the United States to blame the Admiralty for not affording the ship better protection. Mr. Churchill dealt with this point in the House of Commons, and it need only be said that a mere escort of a destroyer or two accompanying the, ship could have given her very little protection, if any. Destroyers can only protect by thoroughly searching a specified area of sea, and, to do so, they must have some certain knowledge of the whereabouts of the submarines. It will be noticed that the Lusitania was torpedoed well to the Westward of the region in which either the Candidate or the Centurion was sunk. It would be a most dangerous thing if a clamour for convoy for merchant ships were allowed to disturb the carefully planned dispositions of the Admiralty.
The effect of the loss of the Lusitania on the public mind has, of course, been enormous, both here and in the United States, and also in other neutral countries; It has given rise to a number of attacks upon Germans which, however regrettable, aro not surprising. The Germans, both hero and in America, have brought them upon themselves by their arrogant rejoicing over the event. It is universally felt that the President of the United States has been placed in a most unenviable position by the action of the German Government. Not only have more than one hundred American citizens perished by the sinking of the Lusitania, but satisfaction has to be obtained for the death of an American citizen in the Falaba, for the aerial bombardment of the Gushing, and for the sinking, with loss of life, of the American vessel Gulflight. It is very widely thought that the Germans have committed these outrages with the deliberate intention of dragging the American Government into the struggle, just as the sinking of Dutch, Norwegian and Swedish ships seems to betoken a desire to outrage the peoples of these countries beyond endurance. What the object could be except to array a greater number of belligerent Powers at the Council Table when the eventual settlement comes, and thus to increase the chance of disagreement, it is not very easy to see. On the whole it seems move reasonable to conclude that the Germans are so maddened by hatred of this country that they have become reckless of any consequences which do not seem likely to turn the balance of military power heavily against themselves.
Although the enemy has struck us an undoubtedly heavy blow by sinking the great, liner, the pride and glory of our Transatlantic fleet, the pirate campaign has not prospered much beyond its wont in the past week. Probably, if a dead set is made of a particular ship, and the whole of the submarine resources of Germany devoted to compassing her destruction, there will be for some time yet, a good chance that the enemy will succeed in achieving his end. But the ships still come into our ports and leave them at the rate of fifteen or sixteen hundred a week. It is sensational to torpedo a big liner and to destroy over a thousand lives. As an exhibition of ‘frightfulness" it is striking, and, if "frightfulness" frightened anybody, would be effective. But if the Germans are really intent on laying siege to us, the thoughtless galleons which bring the wheat and the cattle lest streetbred people die, would, one would think, be a more profitable mark for them and more profitable still, our warships and our transports. We must preserve our sense of proportion, and truth to tell, the nation has preserved it very well.
The effect of the destruction of the Lusitania has been, as anyone but a Hun could have prophesied, is to send up the recruiting figures that, in some districts, more men have been taken in a day than were previously taken in a week. It has been met in Canada and Australia by offers of fresh contingents. Indeed, if it were, as the Germans claim, a great naval victory, it has been one of the kind known as a Pyrrhic victory. The act itself was no worse in kind, though very much worse in degree, than the torpedoing of defenceless trawlers without warning, or the sinking of the Falaba. Whether it is actually as bad as the slaying of defenceless prisoners in cold blood, or the deeds done in France and Belgium, is a matter of opinion. They are all evidence of one and the same spirit.
But it has certainly roused the temper of this country as nothing else has done yet, and that is a fact which the Germans, if they know our history would know that they will have ultimate cause to rue.
So peace to the hallowed dead of the l.usitania! They sleep, some of them, in the wide graves of Queenstown, more in that "spot unmarked lull holy" where lies the giant ship. They are victims of a devilish rage, martyrs for a holy cause. Their blood cries aloud from the sea. as Abel's from the ground to the supreme judge, and "Shall not the lodge of all the earth do right?” If the blood of the martyr's is the seed of the Church their blood, mingled with that which has flowed in torrents in Belgium. France, Serbia and Poland will purchase a true peace, a happier lot for mankind. They perished proudly, men and women, giving an example to the enemies of the human race of how the victims of his brutality can die. To whatever nation they belonged in life, they are now amine: the cherished dead of England.
And England does not forgot those who died in her cause.
photos of survivers
