Arthur R. Nicholls
Arthur R. Nicholls discovered a First World War story in the Westmorland Gazette in 1914.
Mr and Mrs R. Mooney and their two children, a Kendal family, were returning to England from South Africa in the Union Castle liner “Galicia” on July 28, 1914.
War clouds were gathering but conflict still seemed far away from their thoughts.
A week later the captain instructed the passengers to draw the curtains over the portholes at night as a precaution now war with Germany had been declared.
The liner’s bright colours were changed to a drab grey and its name was painted out.
On August 14, about 90 miles from Tenerife, a dark speck appeared on the horizon. As it came nearer it was seen to be a black steamer which drew alongside and signalled to the liner to stop and not to use its wireless. To the horror of the passengers the ship had a German flag flying prominently on its mast.
The wireless operator disobeyed the order and bravely managed to signal, “SOS Gal…” and at that point a message came from the German ship to stop using the wireless or be blown up!
It was apparent that the ship was the armoured liner, “Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse”. Two German officers with some sailors came aboard the “Galicia” and examined the ship’s papers and holds. The passengers were then ordered to pack their belongings and be ready to be put into the lifeboats and to be lowered into the rough sea the next morning.
At about 5am the following day came a message from the German ship, “No further orders for you. You are released. Goodbye”, and it left at full speed.
Why there had been such a sudden change of mind remained a mystery but the passengers were glad to reach the River Thames a week later unscathed after their adventure and the Mooneys had a great tale to tell when they arrived home in Kendal again.