A Compassless Return
But the shot that settled the Messudiyeh aroused the forts and started the torpedo boats, and the B-11 became the target of the guns. She promptly sought refuge by a dive and had to lie submerged for several hours to elude her hunters. The object of the hazardous excursion accomplished, there was the problem of getting back, which was now gravely complicated by the fact that the compass of B-11 went wrong in the commotion and was not dependable. The Lieutenant had to find his way out without it. But he did it; passing again the five rows of mines, escaping the swirl of the currents that seemed rushing to slam the submarine against the rocks, returning to station safely and without casualty or mishap.
That was Dec. 14 and Dec. 26 the London Gazette published the announcement that the King had approved the grant of the Victoria Cross to Lieutenant Holbrook, and that Lieutenant Winn had been made a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. A writer at that time said:
“That the torpedoed battleship was guarding the mine field adds a touch of comedy to the proceedings that must have been singularly gratifying to Lieutenant Holbrook and his gallant companions who crept along the sea floor with him that eventful day.”