28 September 1915: war bulletin

“Causes not yet well determined have caused, in the port of Brindisi, a fire followed by an explosion in the Santa Barbara on the stern of the Royal ship Benedetto Brin. The intervention of any external agent is to be excluded. So far 8 officers and 379 crewmen have survived. Among the confirmed dead is Rear Admiral Rubin of Cervin. In relation to the explosion of the Royal ship Benedetto Brin, the Prime Minister, the Hon. Salandra, the Duke of Abruzzi, commander of the naval forces, directed the following telegram to HRH: «I have read the report of Admiral Presbitero, concerning the explosion of the Royal ship Benedetto Brin. It states that a Commission has been appointed to proceed with an immediate inquiry aimed at ascertaining the causes of the explosion. 'The Commission should also proceed with its findings with the help of the technicians who have been requested. But I, interpreter and participant in the grave impression that the news of the loss of the mighty ship and of so many lives of valiant officers and sailors will produce in the country, I ask your Royal Highness to directly take on the task of ascertaining the causes of the painful fact, without regard to persons any responsibilities, and reassuring the country and the Navy, which must and wants to be exposed to the blows of the enemy, but not to immense risks, deriving perhaps from negligence or acquiescence, which, if there were any, must be rigorously ascertain, clarify and punish. »”.