Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-09-23
BRITISH DEATH LIST
IN NORTH SEA FIGHT
ESTIMATED AT 1854
Survivors From Three Cruis-
ers Sunk by German Sub
marines Arrive in England.
Tell of Escape.
LONDON, Sept. %.

. LONDON, Sept. %.
The magnitude OF the disaster suffered
In the North Sea when the cruisers Abou-
German submarines, struck home to Eng
land today when 1t was learned that only
Gil survivors, officers and sailors, had
been accounted for. Tho missing number
1854, the three ships having carried 21OC
sailors and 1855 officers.
1t Is believed that come Of the missing
have been rescued by ships that will re-
port later. but even the most optimistic
fear that the death list will total at least
1900.
Only the barest details have yet
reached here of the terrific execution
caused by the torpedoes sent from the
German submarines. The unofficial re-
ports state that the three cruisers were
sent to the bottom within space Of only
two hours. The Aboukar was attacked
about o'clock yesterday morning.
Within a few minutes her shattered hulk
had sunk, leaving on the surface only
wreckage and members of the crew who
had been able to throw themselves into
the sea before the vessel went down.
Within a short time the Hoque reached
the spot, and while close watch was kept
tor the enemys submarines, It's boats
were lowered away to save the Aboukir's s
men. To this fact many of the Hogue's
sailors owe their lives, for despite the
precautions taken. submarine dispatch
ed torpedo against the Hogues hull
and she followed the AboulSar to the
bottom.
The Cressy was the third to be de-
stroyed. She Is said to have been sent
to the bottom about o'clock. while
her boats were engaged In rescuing the
crews OF the Aboukir and Hogue.
The Aboukir was struck on it's star
board side. 1t was thought she had
struck mine, but while the Hogue was
lowering four lifeboats she was struck
on the starboard by torpedo. 1t was
then understood that summaries were in
action. Four were seen and fired at
The Aboukir sank In ten minutes. and
the Cressy. also approaching to give aid.
was torpedoed and sank.
Two submarines are reported to have
been hit, but this is unconhrmed. The
third escaped. 1t Is supposed at least
four German submarines engaged in the
attack.
Most of the survivors OF the Cressy
state that they were three hours In the
water. swimming. before they were pick
ed up by small boats. The survivors
were nearly undressed in their berths
when the torpedoes struck. They jumped
out and leaped overheard. The captain
OF the Titon. which helped in the rescue
work. believes that II is possible other
survivors may possibly have been picked
up by fishing boats
Only one German submarine was seen
near the spot where the British cruisers
Aboukir. Hogue and Cressy were sunk In
the North Sea yesterday by the captain
OF the Dutch steamer Titon. who picked
up a number OF survivors and took them
to The Hook.
Survivors from the three British
cruisers sunk In the North Sea were
kept under close guard today at the
Skotley Naval Hospital and the Great
Eastern Hotel at Harwich. to prevent
their giving out any details of the dis
aster. The only information vouch-
sared was that they reported probably
100 had been saved.