§ 14. Colonel DAYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he has received a Report with reference to the occurrence in which Submarine L 22 got into difficulties on a shingle bank off Clarence Pier, Portsmouth; whether Submarine H 42, which went to its assistance, met with a similar mishap; if an inquiry has been held, and, if so, will he state the result of the same?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)The Admiralty have received and considered reports of this incident, including that of a Court of Inquiry. Briefly the facts are that the Commanding Officer of "L 22," in attempting a difficult turn, by an error of judgment underestimated the probable effect of the strong ebb tide and the prevailing wind, with the result that his vessel ran aground. Submarine"H48,"summoned to "L 22's" assistance, and set an impossible task of pulling her off, grounded also. Neither vessel was damaged. The Admiralty have taken action appropriate to a case of error of judgment, but do not consider that the facts disclosed require a court martial.