Arizona republican., 1919-02-23

says rarely put to sea from its base off the Scottish coast without finding two or more U-boats lying in wait out side. apparently there expressly to try to get d shot at the American ships. More than once, the tanned sailor de- clares. one or other of the American ships was missed by a German torpedo by only few feet. The Yankee sail ors didn't mind the torpedoes. as they were looking for some excitement and didn't mind the incidental danger.
 Then came the signing of the armis- tice, and found the Grand Fleet and it's American Sixth battle squadron vainly looking for the Germans to come out and make fight for it. Had the high seas fleet come out, Papas says, it would have had very little chance against the allied squadrons, which were superior in force and guns and constantly prepared but there would at least have been a fight, and the Grand Fleet was looking for one.
 The surrender of the German fleet took place in the North Sea, Novem- Der q, ten days after the arnistice was signed. and was witnessed by the entire Grand Fleet, including the American squadron in which Papas was a n-pointer. Let Papas tell the story.
 "It was just like a funeral.' says the , sailor. ito see the great German fleet meekly surrender without firing a shot. like so many sheep. Some peo- | pie would think it would be a joy for us fellows to be out there and know we had won without losing a man or firing a gun. but it wasn't. It made us feel like we were seeing a funeral march. when the German ships formed l in line between the allied columns | and were escorted back to the Firth ! of Forth for internment. We were | disappointed. We wanted to whip | them first.
 Herded Germans Into Hareor The Grand Fleet started out to meet the surrendering German ships l early that morning. Thursday, Novem- ber 21. It went out in two long lines | six miles apart, light cruiser squad rons in front and behind each line and the heavy battle squadrons in the cen ter. We met the German fleet, formed in single line about the middle oi the morning. We were taking nc chances. our guns were loose ana trained. and the men at quarters Some of us were hoping that even ther the Germans would try 10 start figh and give us just one chance at them
 But they didn't They just cam, up and formed in line between our two lines of ships and we turned back anC ! escorted them into the harbor, wher, they were interned IL was just likt two lines of watch dogs herding a flocl of sheep into the pen"
 After seeing the surrender of tn, German fleet the American squadron with the Texas, went down to Port. land England. and the men all go leave to sec some of the mother coun. try. December l2 it left there and tn, next day met President Wilson ant escorted him to Brest, France. Papa describes this as a very beautiful sight five of the nations greatest fightin, ships steaming into port as the guar of honor for the presidents ship.
 After thus performing it's last dut, in foreign waters( the American squad ron weighed anchor for home. arriv ing in New York the day after Christ mas, when it took part in the erea naval review in New York harbor. Thi practically terminated Papas' maya life, as February l he was given al extended furlough to come to his ney home in Phoenix and await his honor
 able discharge at the end of his tern of service.
 Very few people realize what tn,
 Grand Fleet did in this war" Papa.
 said yesterday. but it did a lot. Ha,
 the German fleet been free to com,
 out it could have landed an army al
 most anywhere. But the Grand Flee
 was there. and the Germans preferre, not 10 take any chances with it. The,