HC Deb 13 March 1918 vol 104 cc316-8
6. Sir F. FLANNERY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the circumstances under which the navigating officer of the "Glenart Castle" was rescued by the United States destroyer "Parker" about fifteen hours after the "Glenart Castle" had gone down; whether the Admiralty have received a report that these a was still running high and the immersed British sailors were in submarine-infested waters, so that the destroyer was unable to stop to enable a life-line to be thrown or a boat to be lowered; whether two sailors from the "Parker" jumped overboard as she passed near to the raft, a distance of about 50 yards, swam to the raft, and brought the navigating officer in a practically unconscious condition to the "Parker"; whether these American sailors then did the same in the case of each of the three remaining men, two of whom were dead on reaching the "Parker," and the third surviving; and, if so, whether this action on the part of the United States sailors will be duly recognised by the Admiralty, having regard to the nature of their undertaking and the skill with which the "Parker" was kept near to the raft although on the move the whole time at considerable speed?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The United States destroyer "Parker" rescued nine survivors of the "Glenart Castle" (of whom one died on board), including the fourth navigation officer.

The two United States naval ratings referred to deserve the greatest credit for their action in jumping overboard, in view of the temperature of the water, the choppy sea running, and the distance of the raft from the ship. Other ratings also jumped on to small rafts or wreckage, and deserve credit.

The Admiralty profoundly appreciate the seamanship and very great gallantry displayed by the United States destroyer.

Sir F. FLANNERY

Is there any distinction for which these two gallant men can be recommended, having regard to the splendid gallantry of their action and their success in rescuing the navigation officer of the "Glenart Castle"?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have already stated, and I repeat most warmly, our recognition of those services, but that is hardly a matter for the Government, and it is more a matter for the United States authorities.

Sir F. FLANNERY

Having regard to the custom by which a captain of a foreign ship is frequently honoured at the discretion of the Board of Trade by the granting of a medal or a service of gold plate or something of that kind, does my right hon. Friend not think that an act of this kind, especially in the circumstances, should be recognised in a somewhat similar manner?

Sir OWEN PHILIPPS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Union Castle Company, who deeply recognise the gallantry of these American sailors, have already approached the American Admiral and asked that they may be allowed to do something to recognise this gallantry, but as they have not been allowed to do so—this is stated in a very nice letter which the Admiral has written in reply—will the Government consider the advisability of making some recognition on behalf of the Government?

Mr. PETO

Is it not a fact that during the War the Governments of our Allies have frequently recognised acts of gallantry on the part of our men in saving the lives of their sailors at sea?

Mr. ACLAND

Is it not the opinion that generally the citizens of the United States are rather averse to awards of personal distinctions and honours, and will they not value much more the sentiment of appreciation which this House has expressed for the extreme gallantry shown on this occasion?

General McCALMONT

What is the object of keeping this story of gallantry quiet and waiting until it is dragged out, when it ought to have been published days ago?

Dr. MACNAMARA

We have expressed earlier our very great gratitude for the way in which the American sailors acted in this matter. I think the way my right hon. Friend (Mr. Acland) has put the matter quite accuratey represents the view of the United States Government. Nevertheless, if we can properly make any suggestion which they will recognise as an appropriate one of enabling us, if it is desired, in a substantial way to emphasise our opinion of this act of gallantry, certainly we will do so.