“Satisfied that all was well, the destroyers left and made for
Zeebrugge. The course was given for the Schouwenbank light vessel,
and the order was given for full speed ahead, but no reply came from
the engine room, as the engineers had been driven over the side with
the majority of the crew. This greatly excited the German officer,
who drew his revolver and threatened to shoot Capt. Fryatt and myself
if we failed to assist him, and to blow up the ship if the orders to
the engine room were not complied with at once. It was some minutes
before the German officer could be convinced that the engineers and
most of the crew were on the destroyers. He then ordered his own men
to the engine room, and instead of going full speed ahead, the engines
were put on full speed astern. This also angered the officer, and
matters became very unpleasant on the bridge. I was ordered to go to
the engine room to inform the Germans of their mistake. By this time
the steam was greatly falling back, owing to the stokers being away,
and the order was given that all on board, except Capt. Fryatt and
myself, should maintain steam till the ship arrived at Zeebrugge. On
reaching the Schouwenbank light vessel the German flag was hoisted,
and directly after the Flushing mail boat for Tilbury passed quite
close.
[Illustration:
© _Underwood and Underwood._