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[Page 89]
1915
for the German cruiser "Dresden". Returning to the Engine Room I removed the Condenser doors. This admitted the sea to the Engine room, boiler rooms, & so to the Holds, coming into the ship at something like 6000 tons per hour. I then sent everybody up, & having seen that everything was done to ensure the ship sinking, went up myself. Then we returned to our own ship leaving the "Elinor Woermann" absolutely deserted, with all her lights still burning & our searchlights playing on her. The German captain killed 2 pigs which he had on board & brought 2 cats over to the "Australia". Having reported the ship scuttled, preparations were made to fire shells into her. The first one struck her just below the water line aft & exploded. Flames rose about 100 feet above the funnel, and evidently the dynamo was damaged, for all the lights went out. The remaining shots seemed to fill her with smoke, & a fire broke out in her superstructure. In all 2 - 12" shells, andd four 4" shells were fired. It was an awe-inspiring sight to see this fine ship battered by gunfire. She shook after each shot & settled over to port a little; then she seemed to fill up & sink aft a little. Gradually she settled down until the water was awash on her after deck. Then the bow rose, and, poising herself for a moment, she dipped down rapidly, first the mainmast, then the foremast, & finally