Impression sketch
of Earl Of Latham Schooner - by Jamie. The original can be seen at: http://www.robertjonesartist.com/reuben-chappell-earl-of-latham-of-liverpool/
An underhand game of underwater war.
Went on about Isles of Britain’s
waters -
As non-warships and boats targeted
By lurking enemy vessels of
submarines.
Arriving from Cuba to reach Fastnet
The London steamer, Cayo Romano,
Came into Queenstown to take on coal,
Carrying a cargo of Sugar for the Clyde.
During morning of Wednesday 5 May,
11 a.m., they had sighted a
submarine,
In a distinct light colour without
number
Or letter - The Captain took quick
action.
The steamer went into full speed,
while
The submarine reacted, firing a
torpedo.
This just missed stern - it was
possible
This craft had sunk the Earl of
Latham.
Bound for China the steamer, Cathay
Of Copenhagen, carried 6000
cargo tons
Of general goods – on Wednesday
night
Was struck by torpedo or
perhaps a mine.
Their position, half mile from Elbow
Buoy,
When a great explosion cut into the
boat.
Took to boats as she sank within
twenty
Minutes; rescued by a Government
boat.
Built 1885, The Earl of Latham of a
three
Masted Schooner, was to encounter her
Fate - The Earl sailed 8 miles away from
Old Head of Kinsale reportedly
at 5 p.m.
Without
markings German U-boat U20,
Came alongside -
boarding the schooner
Kapitan Walther
Schweige, took papers
Of the ship
ordering crew to abandon her.
When the five-man crew cleared nine
Missiles fired at the Earl of Latham
-
While eight missed the ninth struck
One being enough to sink the vessel.
The sinking’s went on - with Germany's
Determination for their British
blockade.
What ultimate act might it take to
make
To break and rise the innocent in
hate?
by Jamie Mann.
Anon.,1915. German Pirates – London
Steamer attacked – Danish Ship Sunk. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 7 May. P.11. Col.3. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11587034/Daily-Telegraph-May-7-1915.html
[Accessed: 7 May 2015].
Mann, J., 2015. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal
communication, 6 May 2015).
#WW1 #WW1centenary #GreatWar #WW1poem #GreatWar #WW1centenary
#worldwarone #worldwaroneremembered #WW1Submarines
