[account in Tom Brewers' handwriting]
Account of the loss of S.S. Mombassa
Torpedoed in the Mediterranean without warning
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All was well at 7.30 a.m. on the Friday morning of 20th October. Charley had done two watches, one at 2 a.m. and another from 6 to 7, but as all seemed quiet he went to his cabin for a little sleep before 9 o clock breakfast. At 20 minutes to 8 he was awakened by a thump which shook the ship from one end to the other. A moment later he received a message from the Captain to "send out the S.O.S. call as the vessel had been struck by a torpedo." He at once went to the wireless room just as he was, in his night attire, (without socks or slippers) and sent out the call; afterwards reporting himself to the Captain to assure him that had been done. The captain said "Very good my lad now look after yourself."
He ran back to his cabin and slipped on his uniform, over his pyjamas, then once more rushed to the wireless cabin and again sent out the "S.O.S." call, as the Apparatus was still working well. During this time the vessel had been sinking by the stern, at which end she had been struck; and Charley found that all the boats had been lowered, and had gone. Only the Captain and two other Officers were left - these with C. jumped into the sea with their lifebelts on and swam to the nearest boats. The forepart of the ship was now about 18 feet out of the water, it was from this height that he jumped. After swimming for about 80 yards he was picked up after the Captain. On the second occasion of him returning to the wireless cabin he saw his watch, this he put in his pocket, and it stopped at 7.39, the moment he was in the water, that was 9 minutes after the vessel was hit. 5 minutes later she had gone down throwing up cinders, soot, and coal dust as the boilers exploded.
When in the boat they saw one of the officers in a life belt face downward tossing about - the sea was choppy - very - and running fast. C. took an oar and helped row to the man whom they eventually picked up unconscious. He was brought round and recovered.
During this time a French Destroyer which had picked up the "S.O.S" call, came on the scene and had commenced taking on board the occupants of the various 6 boats, casting these latter adrift. In all there were 140 souls. The ladies were in night attire - also many of the men - one gentleman was in his bath at the time and only had his gown. The Captain was shaving, and was seen all over the boat, his face covered in soap.
Only 1 coolie was lost, but these men behave badly in these circumstances - they only pray and cry and beat their breasts, causing more trouble than enough. This particular man, altho' he had a belt refused to move.
No one saw the U boat. The "Mombassa" carried a gun and gun crew. The man on duty at the gun was searching the surface for signs of submarines - he had just left the "starboard" side for "port" when the shock was felt. The gun platform was wrecked and collapsed. Had the shot got home in the fore part, the vessel would have blown up as she was carrying shells and ammunition there. The French Destroyer wasted no time in taking them all into "Bougie Bay". At this place they were given food, and some garments and then sent on by train to Algiers. Here again they were very friendly treated and received more clothing and comforts - socks for bare feet and boots and a cap. After a day or two they crossed to Marseilles - travelling overland to Paris to "Havre" - reaching Southampton on Saturday morning having crossed the Channel in a terrible storm.
Charley, like the others, lost everything he possessed - even his set of teeth went down and he arrived home with a chill, very hoarse, and chest cough, tho' otherwise in good spirits.
Kindly pass this round to the undermentioned and return to 16 Belair Road Peverell, Plymouth when finished with
Avenue Road
Annie
Edith Burton and sisters
Maggie
Frances and Adeline
Charlotte Peacock
May Kirby
Mrs Eyles
Mrs Malcomson
Mrs O Brien
