NAVY LEAGUE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21466, 7 May 1935, Page 12

NAVY LEAGUE

REUNION OF SAILORS STORMING OF ZEEBRUGGE. j MOLE RECALLED ■ Men who served with ths Royal Navy in the Great War were the guests of the Navy League at an entertainment held last evening. There was a gosd attendance, and sn enjoyable concert programme was presented. The entertainment is held each year by the Canterbury branch of the Navy League to commemorate the storming of the Zeebrugge I&olc, and the .sinking of the black ships in the Bruges Canal by Royal Naval men on St. George's Day, April 23, 1918. Added interest was given to the entertainment last evening because it was also held to celebrate the Royal jubilee. The newly-elected president of the Canterbury branch of the Navy League. Air Marshal Sir Robert Clark-Hall, in a brief address, referred to the value of such gatherings and reunions of former naval men. Sir Robert dealt briefly with the Zeebrugge raid, which he said was as gallant, as well thought-out and organised an action as ever the navy had been in. It had taken place at a time when everyone was depressed. England was facing the prospect of starvation through the submarine menace, and the armies on the various fronts were not doing too well. ; Then when the Zeebrugge raid was ' s "ch a success, this success brought | it a wave of enthusiasm, that swept the whole nation, giving fresh heart and impetus to fighting men and civilians alike. The actual results of the raid might possibly not have been such as had been anticipated, but its value in giving a new flow Of enthusiasm to a whole nation was incalculable. S:r Robert illustrated his address with a few lantern slides dealing with the raid. Films were also shown of me in the navy 27 years ago. and of the coronation of King George V. ! ; enjoyable concert programme' ; was also given and supper was served, i

TRIBUTE AT REUNION OF | NAVAL MEN

i Keference to the Royal jubilee was briefly made by Air Marshal Sir Robert Clark-Hall, president oi the Canterbury branch of the Navy League at a reunion last evening of former naval men who had served in the Great War. There were no people more loyal or devoted to the King

than these in New Zealand, said Sir Robert. ... The King stood for something which was above persons. By that, he meant that the ideal of kingship was able to command loyalty and devotion that no Hitler, no Mussolini, nor any prime minister could command-