Canadian Naval Forces "Interview with Lieut. Lawrence and Stoker Petty Officer Powell" page 6
Description
- Media Type
- Image
- Item Type
- Documents
- Description
- Page 6 of interview with Lieut. Lawrence and Stoker Petty Officer Powell,describing action of HMCS Oakville on August 28, 1942.
- Notes
- Memorandum: To Naval Broadcasting Officer
- Inscriptions
- Canadian Navy Forces -6-
tried to find out if there were English prisoners aboard, but could elicit no further information. Another German said, "Bomb, Bomb," pointing to the deck. P. was worried for fear there might be a time bomb below. All this time, the prisoners were jabbering excitedly, and were terrified by the rising water coming over the deck. The sub was sinking by the stern. The water was up to their knees, and Powell still kept them under control. Through this sequence, he said little. In fact, in his own words, "I didn't say much of anything. I just kept waving my .45 at them." Regarding conversation with Lawrence, he said, "We didn't say anything. We both knew what to do."
The water was up to their knees when Lawrence came back. He said, "Couldn't find any papers. The water's coming up. Better get overside." They ordered the more than willing prisoners over the side, and then jumped themselves. All wearing lifebelts. They were in the water for about half an hour. They were picked up by the boat's crew who hunted them out by yelling "Lawrence. Powell." The crew was tired, so they made for the American destroyer which was nearby. A little later, they were towed back to the Oakville. Powell went aboard and reported to the Captain. "No papers, took one prisoner, about 20 in water sir." Captain: "Good work, Powell. Go below and have a drink." Powell did so, then at once went to work with the repair parties and assisted in shoring work. Further dope on Powell: was hard rock driller in Timmins, left when war broke out, and went back to the merchant navy. Was seaman during '37 or '38. Stayed with merchant navy until 1940, when he joined the navy. (Is R.C.N.) Happiest moment during action was when he saw ship'd boat coming over the waves. Was worried about sharks. Unwounded except for a shattered ear drum sustained while crouching under the 4" gun on Oakville during early part of action. The foregoing is largely Powell's story.
The following is largely Lawrence's story. Lawrence born in England, aged 22, came to Canada in '34. Father is Capt. E.H. Lawrence in Canadian Army. When they had leaped to sub deck, L. told P. to shoot anybody he saw. (Lawrence is very bloodthirsty). Germans came out of conning tower. L motioned them back. One kept coming, and he shot him. (The red-beard) Told P. to keep them below while went for'rd to look around. Found one hatch flooded and came back. As he came back, discovered two Germans crouched by for'rd side of conning tower. Motioned them overside and when they wouldn't go, he knocked them overside. Went aft and found nothing there. Went back to P. who was still there cursing a blue streak. Told Powell to herd the Germans aft, and try to find out if they'd set a time bomb or scuttled the sub, if there were any officers there, if anyone spoke English. Went down to control room to find papers. Found none. Had P.'s flashlight, lights were out. Went down to next deck and found it badly flooded. - Date Of Event
- 28 Aug 1942
- Subject(s)
- Collection
- HMCS Oakville - E. Stewart, Curator
- Language of Item
- English
- Copyright Statement
- Copyright status unknown. Responsibility for determining the copyright status and any use rests exclusively with the user.
- Contact
- Oakville MuseumEmail:oakvillemuseum@oakville.ca
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