The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1918-04-19
SUBMARINES NOW
FIGHTING U-BOATS
American FlotiIIa Crosses At
Iantic in MidWinter.
SURPASs DEUTSCHLAND FEAT
Then Battled Forward Alone And
Most Reached Port Under Own
Power-Driven From
Course.

Washington.-In the face of bitter
winter gales, American submarines,
primarily designed for operations off
the home coasts, have crossed the At
lantic to engage in the common fight
against German U-boats. They are
now aiding Allied naval forces, as are
American destroyers and American
naval airmen, and they have been in
the war zone for some months.
Secretary Daniels revealed the fact
that the submarines had gone lover
there" in his address at Cleveland, at
Liberty Loan campaign, but gave
no details. 1t is now possible, how
ever, to tell for the first time of the
midwinter passage of the boats across
the seas in the face of the most severe
weather known in years. In the peril
GUS passages, the best traditions of the
service have been maintained.
The first submarines to leave got
under way in early winter. Arrange
ments for the trip were made without
a hint appearing in the papers and,
in fact, until Secretary Daniels spoke
no word of the participation of the
underwater boats in the war against
Germany had been published.
The navy had some experience with
long-distance work with submarines
on which to draw. Boats have been
sent to the Philippines, to Hawaii and
to Panama, but always in mild sea-
sons and with plenty of time for pre-
cautionary steps.
This time, however, they were to
go in winter and terrible winter at
that, with the Atlantic in it's ugliest
mood. The steps taken to get them
across cannot be disclosed. but the
fact that the department has no dis
aster to record is pointed to as proof
of their suficiency.
officers and men of the submarines
faced hard days as they put out.
Cramped in narrow quarters and with
storms in prospect, they steered to
sea with complete confidence in them
selves and their boats. A laconic re-
port of uneventful voyages bore out
that confidence.
In mid-December others got started.
While it was fair on sailing day,
ahead of the submarines a. 100-mile
gale was brewing Into it they
plowed, rolling and tumbling. Details
of the commanders reports have not
been made public, but among the
crews undoubtedly were men who re-
called the first employment of the
submarines at maneuvers when sea-
sickness all but put the fotilla out of
commission.
But there was no faltering. The
boats were going to the front in real
warfare this time. Even when two
lines parted in some cases, unknown
to the tugs and accompanying craft,
the submarines battled forward alone.
A majority of them reached their des-
tination under their own power, ready
for duty.
Some of the boats were driven far
from their courses. They showed up
at different ports, but promptly put
to sea again and reached their sta
tions.
With new fuel and supplies aboard
and with man or two, worn out by
the long struggle with the elements,
replaced, in a few days the boat put
to sea again. 1t went through that
time. despite fourth gale it encoun-
tered.
Little has been said of the work of
the British and French submarines in
the U-boat hunt. They are playing
definite part, however, and lurking
close to enemy bases. There have
been encounters between submarines,
reports of which read like fiction. The
service has beep described as try
ing one, for which men of courage and
daring are needed. 1t is in that work,
presumably, that the American sub
marines are engaged.