A fine rescue
The loss, at least pending repairs, of the transport Wakefield, formerly the liner Manhattan, is a blow to our maritime strength at a time when every ship is needed to transport men and munitions. There would be no use denying that loss. Yet there is great consolation.
The warships accompanying the Wakefield performed the work of rescue in a fashion worthy of the traditions of the United States Navy. Because of their prompt and efficient work, more than 1,600 passengers and members of the crew were taken off in mid-ocean without loss of life. That is a first-rate achievement and brings honor to the officers and men who managed it.