The Story of Our Submarines

"You have established a magnificent record of strenuous and gallant service, of clean fighting and devotion to duty that must always be a source of keen satisfaction to you for the rest of your lives, as it will be a great tradition to hand down to those who follow you.

"It is inevitable, from the nature of submarines, that your senior officers cannot lead you into action as they would wish. It has been my duty to try and get you the best material, to maintain fairness and equity on the sole ground of personal efficiency, and to maintain your reputation for efficiency and modesty.

"In this I have been so ably and loyally assisted by all without distinction, that I can never sufficiently express my gratitude and admiration for you. The result was certain. We leave the war with a record as proud as any that war has ever produced.

"S. S. Hall,"Commodore (S.)."

1

The date the speaker deals with is before the general use of the hydrophones in submarines. – Klaxon.

2

The italics are mine. – Author.

3

Later discovered to be another E-boat.

4

As I have not the despatch by me, I am postponing the account of her passage till later.