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[Page 88]
Tuesday the 26th inst. (26.5.1915) broke calm & peaceful & we who were resting kicked off our clothes & turned in for some slumber. About 12.30 p.m. our attention was directed seaward & there a most pitiful sight rewarded us for our look. Our own ship "H.M.S. Triumph" was in difficulties having been torpedoed by a German submarine. All eyes were directed toward the rare sight & our hearts were full of sorrow for the souls aboard. For a few minutes she lay over on her starboard then completed a full tilt & remained thus bottom upwards for quite a while. Then with a swirl & a rush all that we observed of a once mighty ship was a few bubbles where the final plunge had been taken. Even as I write I cannot believe that I actually witnessed the sinking of a battleship; it was so unreal & not like one is expected to see – either pictured or described. The actual sinking occupied only ten & half minutes so I don't know how the men fared who were aboard. Rumour said over a hundred lost their lives but as no offical roll call has been listed it is impossible to attest any number. The scene in & around the spot today is alive with small craft &