I had come to the surface for a view and saw how wildly the
fire was being sent from the ship. Small wonder that was when they did
not know where to shoot, although one shot went unpleasantly near us.
When I got within suitable range I sent away my third attack. This time
I sent a second torpedo after the first to make the strike doubly
certain. My crew were aiming like sharpshooters and both torpedos went
to their bullseye. My luck was with me again, for the enemy was made
useless and at once began sinking by her head. Then she careened far
over, but all the while her men stayed at the guns looking for their
invisible foe. They were brave and true to their country's sea
traditions. Then she eventually suffered a boiler explosion and
completely turned turtle. With her keel uppermost she floated until the
air got out from under her and then she sank with a loud sound, as if
from a creature in pain.
The whole affair had taken less than one hour from the time of shooting
off the first torpedo until the Cressy went to the bottom. Not one of
the three had been able to use any of its big guns. I knew the wireless
of the three cruisers had been calling for aid. I was still quite able
to defend myself, but I knew that news of the disaster would call many
English submarines and torpedo boat destroyers, so, having done my
appointed work, I set my course for home.
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