FIRST SEA LORD.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 49, 28 February 1927, Page 7

FIRST SEA LORD.

Retirement of Earl Beatty Probable. SIR ROGER KEYES NAMED. (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 27. The '"Daily Express" understands that Admiral of the Fleet, Earl Beatty, is about to retire from the position of First Sea Lord. It is considered probable that Admiral Sir Roger Keyes will succeed him in the position.

The retirement of Admiral of the Fleet Earl Beatty, 0.M., G.C.8., G.C.V.0., D.5.0., was due some months ago, but at the request of the Government he remained in office. The distinguished commander, who is now 55 years of age. entered the navy in ISB4, and was one of the youngest men to reach admiralty rank. Earl Beatty was Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet from 1916 to 1919, being appointed First Sea Lord on his retirement from the position. In 1901 he married the only daughter of Mr. Marshal Field, the millionaire department store proprietor, of Chicago.

Admiral Sir Roger Keyes, who is 54 years of age. has been Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean station since June, 19:25. At the outbreak of the Great War he was commodore of the submarine service. He organised the brilliant naval attack on Zeebrugge and Ostend in April, 1918, and received a knighthood in recognition of its success. He was promoted Admiral in March, 1926.