Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

Western Daily Mercury

Friday 15 March 1912

Accidental Occurence - Verdict in Inquest on the A3 Victims - No One to Blame - What the Navy Calls a Case of Bad Luck

Portsmouth, Thursday  -

At Haslar Hospital this morning Mr Leonard Warner, coroner, resumed the inquest on the victims of the A3 disaster. Mr G.H. King represented the Admiralty.

Lieut. Craven, in command of the A3, who was temporarily replaced by Lieut. Ormand, was recalled to explain the process of evolutions in submarine practices. He said he had had seven years experience of submarines. The usual evolutions were carried out on February 2, but witness was not present. A submarine, in attacking a ship, had to trim and dive. - - - - (continues) - - - -

Last Sight of the Submarine -

Commander Alexander Robinson Palmer said he was in charge of the manoeuvres on board the Hazard. He last saw the submarine about half a mile to a mile distant, two points to the starboard bow. She was diving and moving to the starboard of the Hazard.

The Hazard continued on a straight course, expecting an attack on the starboard side. Witness was standing on the starboard side of the bridge, and was keeping a special look-out from that side and a general look-out all round. He saw nothing of the submarine or its periscope.

The Hazard kept its course as usual, and the submarine looked after herself. If the submarine got within less distance than 400 yards the Hazard would still keep her course, unless it was too close to be safe. 

An Attack on the Port Side -

It would have been difficult on account of the ruffle on the water to have seen the periscope. In view of what happened the periscope must have ultimately been submerged, but how long before the collision occurred it was impossible to say. He did not think it was possible for anyone to say with certainty how it was the submarine came up as she did on the port side of the Hazard. The captain might have been intending to attack on the port side. It was possible to do it. - - - - (continues) - - - -

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