New Britain herald., 1926-04-22
FUNERAL SERVICES
 FOR SUB VICTIMS
One Body Yet Unclaimed,,C Cause Of Explosion Not Determined

New London, April 22 CP --- The death toll of the battery explosion aboard the submarine S-i9 at her pier at the submarine base Tuesday morning, remained at three today, but naval surgeons at the base hos pital continued 10 battle desperately 10 save the lives of Matthew Timo- thy Greenville. first class quarter master; Sylvester Earle Matlock, sec ond class fireman: and Claire Daniel Fields, first class electricians mate, who were all very seriously injured.
 Little Improvement
 Little improvement vas shown in the condition of these three today, but the attending physicians said that they were holding their own with fighting chances for life. The other six sailors, injured in the blast continued to show improvement to- day although the condition of seycr- al of them is still considered quite serious. They are Frederick Frances Horn, second class boatsWain's mate: Daniel Ford, first class seaman. Francis Leo Conway, second class torpedoman; Gustayc Vernon John son. chief electricians mate; Yer nard Leslie Sloggett, first class tor pedoman, and Basil s. Morriss, third class fireman. Of the six, Sloggett is abe least seriously injured and he has been released from the base hospital and is confined to his home at 22S Jefferson avenue.
 Wrcckage Cleared Away
 The battery compartment, wreck cd by the blast. was cleared of all debris this morning, and the mcp- bers of the board of inquiry, who are investigating in an effort 10 do tcrmlne the cause of the blast. en- tered the compartment this forenoon and began a detailed examination of it. Special attention was given 1o the battery and electrical equipment and the board vas in session in tho compartment for several hours, Upon the completion of their exam ination this afternoon. the members of the board gave out no informa- lion as 10 whether the examination had revealed the cause of the ey- plnsion.
 Naval officers who were among the first 10 enter he compartment when it was opened yesterday for the first time since the explosion flatly contradicted reports that had heen circulated about the city that 2 carclcssly thrown cigarette butt might have caused the explosion. In clearing the compartment Of the debris close scrutiny was made, and no cigarette butts were found. It was also stated by base officials that th" examination of the mem hers of the crew aboard the craft when the explosion occurred. re- vealed that there was no one smok- ing in the battery or adjoining com partments when the blast came.
 Inquiry Years End
 The board expects 10 complete ita tonight or early tomor- TOW. Detailed reports of it's findings will be lodged with Captain F. J. King, commandant of the submar- inc base, and with the bureau Of at Washington. The board consists of Commander E. F. Cutts, senior officer: Lieut.. Commander r. W. Srandland. Lieut.. A. R. MrCann and Licut, C. R. Jcffs, recorder.
 Funeral Services
 Funeral services for Chief Boat swain's Mate Theodore Hoist, Jr.. Ralph Edward Mccormack. second class gnnner's mate. and Ollie ]. , Cook, seaman, first class, who died 1 from injuries received in the eXplo- sion. were held at the funeral par { lors of Robert F.. Rylos at 5;30 ! o'clock yesterday afternoon. The |. services were brief and were per formed by Rev. Horatio J. Chase. pastor of the Nontauk Avenue Rap- i list church. Captain F. J. King. 1 base Commandant; Commander F. r. i rutts. executive officer at the base. 1 and senior officer of the board of in | nuiry; Lieut.. Commander w. D. l, Snyder, commander of the il-fatcd . submarine, and his subordinatos, , Lieut.. II. F. Gearing and W. II. i Meyer; officials of submarine divis- ion .. 10 which the S-49 is attached | and the shiplnatos of the three dead | sailors. attended the services.
 The body of Ollie J. Cooke in a flag -drapod coffin was escorted 10 he rnion station by tho base com { and his staff and a guard . of honor of 40 sailors. It was plac- ed aboard the Federal express which { left here at 1o:2S o'clock last night.