f upper bridge and saw torpedo approaching about two hundred
yards distant. Lieutenant Paul had put the rudder full right before I
arrived on bridge, hoping to avoid the torpedo. The ship answered slowly
to her helm however, and before any other action could be taken the
torpedo I saw struck the ship's side immediately under the port forward
chain plates, the detonation occurring instantly.

"I was thrown down and for a few seconds dazed by falling debris and
water. Upon regaining my feet I sounded the submarine alarm on the
siren, to call all hands if they had not heard the general alarm gong,
and to direct their attention of the convoy and other escorting vessels.
Called to the forward gun's crew to see if at stations, but by this time
realized that the forecastle was practically awash. The foremast had
fallen, carrying away radio aerial. I called out to abandon ship.

THE SINKING SHIP.

"I then left the upper bridge and went into the chart house to obtain
ship's position from the chart, but, as there was no light, could not
see. I then went out of the chart house and met the navigator,
Lieutenant Leonard, and asked him if he had sent any radio; he replied
'No.' I then directed him and accompanied him to the main deck and told
him to take charge of cutting away forward dories and life rafts. I then
proceeded along starboard gangway and found a man lying face down in
gangway. I stooped and rolled him over and spoke to him, but received no
reply and was unable to learn his identity, owing to the darkness. It is
my opinion that this man was dead. I then continued to the after end of
ship, took station on after gun platform.

"I then realized that the ship was filling rapidly and her bulwarks
amidships were level with the water. I directed the after dories and
life rafts to be cut away and thrown overboard and ordered the men in
the immediate vicinity to jump over the side, intending to follow them.
Before I could jump, however, the ship listed heavily to port, plunging
by the head and sunk, carrying me down with the suction.

STRUGGLE IN THE WATER.

"I experienced no difficulty, however, in getting clear and when I came
to the surface I swam a few yards to a life raft, to which were clinging
three men. We climbed on board this raft and upon looking around
observed Doyle, chief boatswain's mate, and one other man in the whale
boat. We paddled to the whale boat and embarked from the life raft. The
whale boat was