Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-04-23
Official Statement


The chancellor of the exchequer,
Andrew Bonar Law. announced on
April 49, in the House of Commons,
that there had recently been further
losses of British hospital ships, which
would be published soon. Today the
secretary Of the admiralty issued the
following statement:
"On the evening of April II. the
steamships Donegal and Lanfranc
while transporting wounded to British
ports were torpedoed without warn
ing. The Donegal carried slightly
wounded-all British. OF these 20 men,
as well as Il of the crew are missing
and are presumed to have been
drowned.
The Ships Burdens
THE Lanfranc in addition to 224
wounded British officers and men. car
ried 1877 wounded German prisoners,
medical personnel of 50. and crew of
1913. Of these the following are miss
ing and are presumed to have been
drowned: Two wounded British Off
rif oh n
one Royal Army medical corps staff
five of the crew, five wounded German
officers, and 10 wounded Germans Of
other ranks.
"One hundred and ffty-two German
prisoners were rescued by British pa
troll vessels at the imminent risk OF
being themselves torpedoed.
Owing to the German practice OF
sinking hospital ships at sight and to
the fact that distinctive marking and
lighting of such vessels renders them
more conspicuous targets for German
submarines, it has become no longer
possible to distinguish our hospital
ships in the customary manner. One
Of these two ships, therefore, though
carrying wounded, was not in any way
outwardly distinguished as hospital
ship. The distinctive markings Of the
other had not yet been removed. Both
were provided with an escort for pro-
lection"
British Stand at Attention
The story of the sinking of the hos
pital ship Lanfranc will rank with the
undying histories of the Brkenhead
and Tyndareus, according to British
officer The British soldiers stood at
attention while the ship was slowly
sinking beneath them. Their conduct
was in marked contrast to that of
the Prussian guardsmen aboard, who
in the moment of danger rushed for
the lifeboats.
The Lanfranc was attacked by a
submarine about 7.30 o'clock Tuesday
evening"" said the officer. The crash
shook the liner violently. the explosion
sending splinters of wood and glass
flying in all directions. Within a few
minutes the engines stopped and the
vessel seemed to be sinking rapidly.
but to our surprise she steaded her
self, and after a while remained mo-
tionless. We had aboard prisoners OF
the Prussian Guard and many British
wounded, including some serious cases.
Prussians Rush for Boats
The moment the torpedo struck the
Prussians made a mad rush for the life
boats. When they were ordered to await
their turn many showed cowardice by
dropping on their knees and imploring
pity.
THE crew and stan went to their posts.
The stretcher cases were lowered first 10
the boats. Meanwhile, in response to dis
tress calls. many vessels came hurryine
to our assistance. Even while wounded
and helpless Tommies lay unaided In their
cots. the cowardly prisoners made an
other attempt and managed to crowd into
a lifeboat which. however. toppled over
directly 1t was lowered. Then they fought
with each other to reach another boat
containing some graveIy wounded.
Bravery Of British
IT shall never forget the behavior OF
Continued on Pace q. Column ~