CHAPTER TWENTYScapa Flow
The Mine Force was not represented at the surrender of the German fleet, but on our way to Portland, where leave was to be given before sailing for home, we passed through Scapa Flow to see the surrendered ships.
As our long, single column approached the British squadrons lying at anchor, on guard, a signal invited us to steer between their lines, and as we wound in between the battleships and battle cruisers, their crews were assembled on deck—very striking in solidity of mass and evenness of rank and file. They cheered each passing minelayer, our crews running from side to side to make response, the bands playing the national airs, and signals being exchanged.
To: Admiral First Battle Squadron.From: Commander Mine Squadron One.Captain Belknap presents his compliments and regrets that his movement orders do not permit paying his respects in person to Admiral Madden. The U.S. Mine Squadron sends congratulations upon the great success that has brought about this unprecedented spectacle. 0919.
To: Admiral First Battle Squadron.
From: Commander Mine Squadron One.
Captain Belknap presents his compliments and regrets that his movement orders do not permit paying his respects in person to Admiral Madden. The U.S. Mine Squadron sends congratulations upon the great success that has brought about this unprecedented spectacle. 0919.
From: Admiral Madden.To: Captain Belknap.Thank you for your 0919. I wish the Mining Squadron speedy return home and have much regret in parting with such a splendid force.
From: Admiral Madden.
To: Captain Belknap.
Thank you for your 0919. I wish the Mining Squadron speedy return home and have much regret in parting with such a splendid force.
Then silence was ordered, as we neared the Germans’ anchorage. First came the destroyers, to the left, moored in pairs with a few British destroyers at their head, and then, on the west side of Cava Island, the large ships came into view. Many signs of their downfallen state were evident, and the sight was to me the more impressive from having seen that fleet in its ascendancy. Now, in some ships scarcely a man was to be seen, on others the rails were crowded, officers and men mingling together, to gaze on their untouched bait.
In quiet procession we had nearly passed them all, when the British trawlers on the opposite side, holding the net across Hoy Sound—had been holding it in fair weather and foul, for three long years—seeing our flag and knowing what our work hadbeen, broke out in long and loud blasts of their whistles—having crews too small for an audible cheer. TheSan Franciscoresponded with the usual three whistle blasts, which the ships following repeated in succession, but one of them blew her siren instead, and that started them all again. For a few moments there was a fearful din, and how this must have struck the British ships, on the other side of Cava, was indicated by the next signals exchanged soon afterwards:
From: Captain Belknap.To: Admiral Madden.Many thanks for your kind message. The Mine Squadron has much enjoyed its duty with the Grand Fleet and is much honored by the association.
From: Captain Belknap.
To: Admiral Madden.
Many thanks for your kind message. The Mine Squadron has much enjoyed its duty with the Grand Fleet and is much honored by the association.
From: Admiral Madden.To: Captain Belknap.Reply.—Thank you. For your hilarious Mining Squadron, a speedy trip home and have much regret in parting with such a brave bunch.
From: Admiral Madden.
To: Captain Belknap.
Reply.—Thank you. For your hilarious Mining Squadron, a speedy trip home and have much regret in parting with such a brave bunch.
Clearing the island, we passed H.M.S.Lion, flagship of Vice Admiral Pakenham, who had commanded the support on our last excursion. TheLionwas steaming back and forth across the way out, like a sentry on his beat, a ready check on any German ship that might attempt escape.
Replying to my greeting, theLionflashed from Vice Admiral Pakenham:
I greatly regret that only a farewell signal is possible. You take with you not only my personal regards, but the gratitude and admiration of the Battle Cruiser Force and united wishes for a happy return to your country.
I greatly regret that only a farewell signal is possible. You take with you not only my personal regards, but the gratitude and admiration of the Battle Cruiser Force and united wishes for a happy return to your country.
As the squadron passed out of the harbor, the garrisons at the entrance turned out and cheered and one of the seaplanes that had patrolled for submarines while the squadron was planting on some of its excursions sailed over and around theSan Francisco, each time nearer, until he swooped by with a roar and a wave of the hand, so near that his wing tip passed not 20 feet from the bridge.
Three months afterwards came a letter from Vice Admiral Sir William C. Pakenham:
I trust old friends on your side have enjoyed return to their own country, but we miss them much over here. When your Force steamed through Scapa, I thought Providence as well as skill must have been on your side to enable you to pass through a period of such dangerous service, and yet to take all home.
I trust old friends on your side have enjoyed return to their own country, but we miss them much over here. When your Force steamed through Scapa, I thought Providence as well as skill must have been on your side to enable you to pass through a period of such dangerous service, and yet to take all home.