HC Deb 30 January 1918 vol 101 cc1530-1
16. Mr. G. LAMBERT

asked what were the British casualties in the recent action near die Dardanelles; and why slow-moving monitors were left in positions that enabled them to be sunk by fast warships like the "Goeben" and "Breslau"?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The casualties which occurred on the occasion in question were as follow: Six officers and 127 men were killed and 27 men were wounded. The monitors were stationed in this position as being the most suitable vessels to support the patrols, and prevent enemy mine-sweeping. The probability of attack from submarines precluded heavy ships from being kept in close proximity to the Dardanelles, as there are no suitable protected harbours. The minefields, although they did not prevent the exit of the Turkish ships, have fulfilled their function in that one ship was sunk and the other damaged when returning.