THE BRITISH NAVY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 309, 11 October 1938, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

DEMOBILISATION NOT COMPLETE. i.wiwV -V ' ‘ ACTrON AWAITED. (United Press Association —Copyright.) (Received This Day, 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, October 10. The Australian Associated Press learned from the highest authority that the demobilisation of the Fleet is not bteing carried .out completely before the German Army and Air Force resume their peace-time footing. Normal British naval training has not yet been resumed, but the depots have beeiv 'reopened for recruiting, and a large number of reservists have been released. >

SMOOTHNESS OF MOBILISATION. AN ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE. (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m.) • ‘LONDON. October 10. Many of the navy reservists called up as a precautionary measure during the emergency are retaining home. Officials, who were concerned in the strenuous work which naval mobilisation involved, are understood to be well pleased with the smoothness with whfeh the machinery worked. Except for par tial mobilisation in 1922 it had not been tested since 1914.

Nearly 30,000 men were at their posts within three days of the King’s proclamation. There was a wonderfully enthusiastic response and the officials concerned were particularly impressed by the cheerfulness of the personnel. The King signed the proclamation at 11 a.m. on September 28, but five’ hours’ earlier one reservist, having heard a rumour of the coming proclamation, had reported at his depot. No less than 4000 reported at one depot in 12 hours, and at another 4500 were passed through the whole routine medical and dental examinations, pay arrangements, issue of gasmasks, etc., etc., in 24 hours. The majority were drafted to their ships without any delay, some being on the wav to their ships within three hours of reporting..--British Official Wireless.