The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-11-22
HOW THE BOCHE


on the bridges, the ships companies
When dawn broke, the sea was again
lowered with mist, which reduced the
visibility to less than 5000 yards. -.
Eyes Strained. st-~
Eyes straining thru the murky haze
finally were rewarded. Off the star
board bow the Cardiff, trailing an OBJ
servation kite balloon, came steam
ing in Close behind her came the
first of the German ships, the great
battle cruiser Seydlitz, which was fly
ing the flag of Commodore Togert.
After her came four others of the
same type, the Derfflinger. Won Der
Tam, Hindenburg and Moltke. They
Immediately following them were nine
dreadnaughts. the Friedrich der
Crosse. flagship Of Rear Admiral Won
Reuter-. the Koenig Albert, Kaiser,
Kron Prinz Wilhelm, Kaiserin, Bayern.
Markgraf. Prinz Regent Luitpold and
astern of the battleships came seven
light cruisers. the karlsruhe. bearing
the ensign of Commodore Harder. the
Fra nkfort, Emden. Burpburg, Brum-
mer, Coin and Bremen.
Then the Destroyers.
Then came another gap OF three
miles and German destroyers appeared
steaming in five columns abreast with
ten destroyers to a column
Six miles separated the allied col
umns and square1y between them the
Cardiff brought her charges. all
steamins at the stipulated speed of ten
knots. AS ordered, their guns were
in regular fore and aft positions and
far as powerful glasses could deter
mine. there was no sign to provoke
suspicion. Until all the major ships
had been swallowed up in the envelop-
ing allied columns the latter never for
a moment relaxed their alert watch.
Over the Germans circIed a British
dirigible. which acted as eyes for the
allied ships. which altho the fog had
lifted, were still too distant for ac-
curate observation.
A Splendid View.
When the leading German ship had
reached the western end of the flank
ing columns the allied ships put about
in squadrons. Quickly reforming their
lines. they proceeded to escort the en-
envy into the Firth of Forth. BY noon
the last wisp of fog had dispersed and
a splendid view of the vast array of
war craft could be obtained. Holding
steadily to its course, the great fleet
reached May Island at 2 o'clock. The
captive Germans were piloted to an
chorage assigned to them and British
ships from the southern column closed
in as guards The northern column
steamed on to the regular anchorages
higher up the Firth.
Interned in Scapa Flow.
Inspection parties from the grand
fleet boarded the Germans to make
| sure that all conditions OF the armi-
stice were observed. The enemy YES
sells will be interned in Scapa Flow.
Part of the crews will remain for
maintenance work and the remainder
will be returned to Germany soon.
Whether American ships have a fux-
| Their part to play in connection with
this internment and guarding the high
seas, is a question which is being dis
| cussed by officers and men of the
| United States squadron.
King Visits Q. S. Ship.
King Georges visit to the American
| flagship New York Wednesday was a
! n otable occasion thruout. British de-
stroyers were streaming out of the
harbor to take up advanced positions
| to act as a screen for the Grand Fleet
today and the righteousness Of their
mission gave note of sol ,mnity to
| tn gala scene on the New York. AS
soon as the royal party stepped
+, aboard the royal ensign was hoisted
, to the masthead.
King George. the prince of wales.
| Admiral Beatty and other membe s of
| the visiting party were received by
Admirals Rodman and Sims and other
officers of the fleet. During his call