Source: File: SS Ancona.jpeg, [online] An original image can be seen at:
<http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?134717> [Accessed: 11 November 2015].
With one more unrepentent
blow
At sea, another effect started
to grow
Amid the opinions of
American people -
This came on top of murder
of Cavell,
By German execution and
Lusitania
Sinking from six months before.
The SS Ancona was built in Ireland,
Operated in Genoa, by
Italian Steamers
Navigation Society as a
passenger liner.
Stopping at Messina, on the toe of Italy,
The liner took on more
passengers -
To leave Sunday evening, 5
p.m.
With 163 crew,
out a total of 446
Aboard, the Ancona began her
voyage.
By Monday 8 November to sail south East
Of Sardinia by Cape Carbonara - under
The lead of Captain Massardo - varied
nationalities included Americans.
Among the cargo, entrusted
to a civil
Servant, was a
shipment of silver and
12 trunks of gold
- believed to be intended
To purchase arms
for Italy - as morning
Moved on an
explosion hit the sea -
Some twenty yards
from the ship.
At the same time
a submarine shape
Was spotted,
several kilometers distant -
The Ancona was
steaming as the German
Boat gave chase - although it was flying
Austrian flag - shells were being fired
To destroy the onboard wireless.
The passengers were thrown
into panic - the time was closing
Towards 1p.m. as boats were lowered -
With the Ancona moving, the first
boat capsized and they fell into
Water - all to be drowned.
The second boat touched water,
Only to be hit by a torpedo - the third
Lowered, during which several people fell
Overboard; still the firing continued until
finally the Ancona halted at rest - then
Came the submarine at 200 yards.
From prow to stern, shells had then
Peppered the boat - Captain Massardo
Rushed through the Ancona, still to find
Some 30 aboard - he ordered the last
Boat down with rest of the crew, final
Passengers and the 2nd officer.
Captain Massardo stood on deck,
As the submarine with Austrian flag,
Fired a torpedo, he awaited the shock which
Struck; to leaving a gaping hole - Ancona
Began inevitable movements down -
Another enemy flag was hoisted.
The steamer lurched and prompted
Captain and his first officer begin a climb
Down, by use of a cable, towards the sea -
But as the ship rose they were forced
To jump - they made it to a lifeboat,
To aid others as the Ancona sank.
American reactions to Captain's
Account, caused a perception, from
Fact that the Ancona came under attack,
Without any warning - silence cracked
By protests, with the New York Times
To exclaim downright murder.
Outrage was fueled by fact
That some Americans had been
On board the SS Ancona - President
Maintained neutrality - this was
Strained by people and press,
Echoed by a dinner speaker.
Joseph Hodges
Choate, who had
Once been an
ambassador in Britain,
Made it known,
despite the Government
Stance, he
totally supported the allies -
Fighting against
'barbaric atrocities' -
The US had given
one warning.
In the event of
the Lusitania case,
Washington had
spelt out a promise -
That such
persistent German deeds would
Be considered
intended acts of hostility -
If Austrian or a
German disguise - that
Warning stood as
quoted by a paper -
USA patience
was not limitless.
by Jamie Mann.
Anon.,1915 American Patience - 'Not Inexhaustable'. The
Daily Telegraph, [online]
15
November. P.10. Col.6. Available
at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11994274/Daily-Telegraph-November-15-1915.html
[Accessed: 15 November 2015].
Mann, J., 2015. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal
communication, 15 November 2015).
#WW1 #WW1centenary #GreatWar #WW1poem #GreatWar #WW1centenary #worldwarone
#worldwaroneremembered #WW1NewYork
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