The Benson signal., 1918-05-25
HOW JOHN MACKENZIE SAVED
THE REMLik WHEN A DEPTH
CHARGE BROKE LOOSE.
HE CAPTURED THE BIG BOMB
Delivery of Locomotives Ordered by
Government Starts in July Ger.
many Limits Spending Money Of
American Prisoners and lnterned
Civilians.


WashiEgt0n.-Many members of the
United States army and navy are be-
ing commended for bravery in action
or in emergencies. A typical case is
that of John Mackenzie, chief boat
swain's mate, of the naval reserve
statement
The case is unique in that it has to
do with one of the latest engines of
war. AS is well known, United States
destroyers and other submarine fight
ers carry depth charges containing
large amount of high explosives which
are dropped in the path of enemy sub
marines and explode under water:
These have proved effective weapons
in the destruction of U-bOats, and they
are safe enough when the safety pins
are affixed but when they get beyond
control and the safety pin comes out
they are a source of serious danger to
the vessels carrying them. 1t will be
recalled that the men on the q. S. S.
Manley who lost their lives in the col
lision of that destroyer with British
vessel were killed by the explosion of
one Of these bombs.
In heavy gale on the morning of
December II, 1917, depth charge on
the Remik broke loose from IT'S posi-
tion on the stern. The box went over
board. but the charge was hurled in
the opposite direction and went bounc-
ing about the deck. AS 1t weighs hun
dreds of pounds 1t was impossible for
anyone to lift the bomb and carry it
to safety. 1t was even dangerous for
anyone to go to that part of the ship,
as the seas were washing over the
stern. AS the officers and crew
watched the bomb some one shouted:
1.-The pins come outw Realizing the
danger, Mackenzie, exclaiming, Watch
me; I'll get it," dashed down the deck
and flung himself upon the charging
cylinder. Three times he almost had
his arms about the bomb, but each
time it tore from him. once almost
crushing him. The fourth time he got
a firm grip on it and heaved 1t up
right on one fiat end. Then he sat on
it and held it down. The charge might
have broken loose again and exploded
at any moment, blowing Mackenzie to
bits, but he held on firmly until lines
could be run to him and man and
depth bomb safely lashed. Soon after
ward the ship was headed up into the
sea and the charge carried to place
of safety.
The commanding officer of the Rem
Xix, in his report recommending that
the medal Of honor be conferred on
Mackenzie says;
Mackenzie, In acting as he did, ex-
posed his life and prevented serious
accident to the ship and probable loss
Of the ship and entire creT'. Had this
depth charge exploded on the quarter
deck with the sea and wind that ex-
listed at the time there is no doubt that
the ship would have been lost"
Money intended for interned civil-
ians and prisoners Of war in Germany
should be remitted through the bureau
of prisoners relief, American Red
Cross, Washington. D. G. Remittances
so made will probably not be delivered
to addresses by the German govern
ment in cash, but in the form of credit
on prison exchanges.
According to the Spanish ambassa-
dor at Berlin, the war department
states that there are no restrictions
in regard to the remittance Of money
for civilian and military prisoners.
Such money Is placed to prisoners
credit and may be spent under the
following regulations:
Military prisoners. Sixty marks
weekly may be spent by officers and
others Of similar rank; so marks
weekly by non-commissioned officers
and men.
Civilian prisoners. Sixty marks
weekly for men of better social posi-
ton: so marks weekly for Others"
B A study is being made of the for
mulae and manufacturing processes of
medicines requiring glycerin. and
nIdHS lAlC VI lhC NuoA7
tity now used in case 1t becomes nee
essary will be submitted to the general
medical board Of the Council Of Ma.
tiOnal Defense.
1t is announced in the Bohemian
press that experiments made with
paper cloth" have proved SO success
full that Hungarian state railways are
to furnish their employees with sum
mer clothing Of this fabric.
In its regulations governing the
price of wool the war industries
board allows dealers to make charge
of three per cent of the selling price
II the wool is not graded, and BIZ per
cent If graded This commission is to
cover all storage, carriage and insur-
ance.
An additional credit of $3,250.0O0
has been extended to Belgium by the
United States, making total Of $107,-
$4,000 loaned to that country, and
-.e.1