More Reinforcements From Britain

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30643, 8 January 1965, Page 9

More Reinforcements From Britain

(N-Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

PORTSMOUTH, January 7.

Emergency stand-by orders to sail to the Far East were issued yesterday to the Royal Navy’s heavy repair ship, H.M.S. Triumph, a former aircraft-carrier.

They were issued within 24 hous of the announcement by the Royal Air Force that V-bombers had been alerted to fly to the Far East if required.

The Triumph, just converted from a light aircraft-carrier at a cost of £10,200,000, displaces 13,350 tons. She is insulated for tropical service, armed with four 40mm anti-aircraft guns and can carry helicopters.

Her main task is to act as “mother” ship for destroyers and frigates. She can accommodate four ships at a time alongside and maintain them while they shut down all their own supplies of electricity, steam and water during repair operations.

Two Army battalions, one a paratroop unit, have moved to the Far East, and the carrier “Eagle” is on her way to Singapore from Mombasa. Each battalion comprises about 500 men, so the moves will add about 1000 extra troops to the British force in the Far East.

With the delivery of Lightning Mark 3 aircraft this week the Royal Air Force can now send supersonic fighters to Malaysia nonstop.

They have over-wing fuel

tanks and are equipped for in-flight refuelling. Fighter Command squadrons have hitherto been un-

able to take their Lightnings farther than Cyprus.

The Mark 3 is armed with the Red Top air-to-air missile.

Any threat from the squadron of Russian Mig 21 fighters owned by Indonesia would provide a strong case for sending the Lightnings.