The Log of the Marne

Originally Aired: October 22, 1951 Suspense #444, "The Log of the Marne," presents a harrowing true story of a British gunboat trapped on the Yangtze River under relentless Communist fire. When HMS Marne is ambushed by Chinese batteries while on a routine supply mission, the devastating attack kills the captain and most of the crew within minutes. Lieutenant Bennett Moore, critically wounded with shell fragments in his lung, struggles to maintain command as the ship runs aground with its communications and weapons systems destroyed. Lieutenant Hugh Fraser arrives on the shattered bridge to find carnage all around, and together they desperately try to save what remains of the vessel and crew. As casualties mount to over thirty dead and dozens wounded, Lieutenant Commander James Harland arrives by seaplane to assume command, bringing a medical officer and limited supplies. Now Harland faces an impossible situation: trapped 140 miles from help with only 41 men left from an original complement of 149, no functioning guns, damaged communications, and burned navigation charts. With the Communists continuing to shell the crippled vessel, Harland must decide whether to attempt refloating the Marne and making a desperate run for safety.