BRITISH PLUCK.

Marlborough Express, Volume LI, Issue 87, 14 April 1917, Page 7

BRITISH PLUCK.

TROOPS ON THE TYNDAREUB

BIRKENHEAD TRADITION

Furthojr details of the fine story of British* pluck, recalling that of the . Birkenhead, fire told of the troops on the transport Tyndareus. which was nearly sunk by mi explosion off Cape Agulhas, but which has now been safely towed into a- South African port. - It apears (says ohe Johannesburg Times) that, about 15 minutes before the accident the vessel had passed the Oxfordshire, bound for Capetown, and was being followed by the Eumaeus, which most df the men were watching at the time. The *Tyndareus was, as one of the men put it, "just getting into her stride," and was rapidly leaving the Eumacus; when a violent explosion in the forepart shook the troopship from stem to stem. The "assembly" was at once sounded, and the troops, each man wearing a lifebelt, lined the decks in perfect order. The ship was settling down by the head, with the propellers hanging well out of the water, and it appeared almost certain that she would sink before assistance could reach her. But, though they must all have realised their imminent peril, the demeanor of the men suggested, not that they, were lacing death, but that they were parading for long yleave.

CHORUS SINGING.

As soon as the roll had been called and the order ''Stand easy" had been given, someone started "The Ldng Trail," and in a few seconds the whole gathering had taken up the haunting refrain of the latest inarching song. Then camo the oldest favorite, ''Tipperary," and for half an hour afterwards, while the ominous incline of the deck towards the bows became more and more noticeable, chorus after chorus swept niong the lines and over the sea, where both the Oxfordshire and the Eumacus were racing to the rescue. The explosion had not damaged the vesselVwireless, and "5.0.5." signals were immediately sent out, while boat after boat was lowered in readiness. One of them, which fortunately was empty, was upset in^ being lowered, but a young seaman, without a moment's hesitation, jumped overboard and succeeded in righting it, and the same man distinguished himself a little later by diving; from a lifeboat and rescuing the regimental dog "Paddy."

DANGEROUS WORK

Another example of pluck was given by half a dozen of the troops, who, engineers, by profession, volunteered to assist in the engine-room, and, exchanging khaki for overalls, did splendid . work in the most dangerous parts in the ship. Six boats had been lowered when the. Oxfordshire, followed a few minutes later by the Eumacus, arrived, and the work of transferring the troops was ■begun. Though the sea was very choppy, it was carried out without mishap in an hour and a half, and the rescue vessels turned for port. Meanwhile two war vessels had responded to the call for help, and took the crippled liner in tow. It appeared to be an almost hopeless task, as she was then well down by the bows, but magnificent seamanship on the part of the officers and crews of all three vessels triumphed, and the Tyndareus was brought safely into port. The troops who hare landed are enthusiastic in their praises of the officers of the Tyndareus. The" captain, who they say was magnificent, found time while directing operations, to cheer and encourage the men as they stood singing the choruses on-the deck. "Keep it up, lads," he kept shouting to them; "all's well," while the troops cheered him in return. Only one life was lost, that- of a Chinaman, who was in the bunkers, and is believed to have been killed by the explosion. Five dogs were on board, and even these were rescued.