BRITISH WARSHIPS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 197, 18 May 1936, Page 9

BRITISH WARSHIPS

Only Eight Capital Ships In Full Commission UNPRECEDENTED POSITION London, May 15. The Nary List, without precedent, shows that only eight capital ships are in full commission—H.M.S. Nelson. Rodney and Hood with the Home Fleet, H.M.S. Barham, Valiant, Queen Elizabeth and Renown in the Mediterranean, and H.M.S. Repulse, which goes to the Mediterranean on June 8. The “Daily Telegraph’s” naval correspondent explains that this situation is partly due to the modernising of old ships and partly to shortage of personnel due to special measures in the Mediterranean. H.M.S. Warspite, Malaya and Royal Oak are being refitted with special anti-aircraft equipment, and four other battleships are laid up, presumably for lack of personnel. Destroyers have been increased from 54 to 78, and other auxiliaries have been largely augmented. SINGAPORE BASE Additional 400 Acres Purchased (Received May 17, 6.30 p.m.) London, May 16. The "Sun-Herald” news agency states that the Admiralty has purchased an additional 400 acres at Singapore for an extension of the Naval Base which, with the graving dock, air base and barracks, already exceeds four square miles. NEW COMMANDER Battle-Cruiser Squadron London, May 15. Vice-Admiral Geoffrey Blake has been appointed to command the battlecruiser squadron in August, when It joins tho Mediterranean Command, in accordance with arrangements consequent on the withdrawal of the First Battle Squadron for repairs. Vice-Admiral Blake will then be second In command in the Mediterranean.