CORRESPONDENCE

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 31, 5 February 1917, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE

THE DOMINION'S PART

10 TUB EDITOR. Sir, —In a recent leading article under the above heading you say the British Navy should have all the credit for the capture of Germany's oversea colonies. Undoubtedly the Navy is our first line of defence and offence, but the Dominion Forces that hold these possessions can claim the all-impqrtant second part in these captures. Ybu also omit to credit Japan with the silent part her navy played in these historical movements. Our first Expeditionary Force could not leave till Japanese warships arrived to assist in safe escort. A German squadron was roaming in Pacific watersj and the Emden was_ raiding the Indian Ocean. The very vivid account of my sorij Trooper F. J. G. Moore, who left with the Main Body, ik evidence of Japanese assistance. On his arrival in Egypt in 1914, he wrote: —"The most exciting incident of out voyage was the call from Cocos Island, and the rushing away of the Sydney and a Japanese warship to the rescue.' The troopship that 1 sailed on was,the only one of the many trans-, ports and warships in the convoy to receive the s.o.s. call from Cocoa Island, for the Emden immediately after confused all. wireless signals. Our vessel passed the message to the escorting flagship. The Sydney, on our right flank, was nearest to the point of call, arid she was sent away at top speed.' The next order was given to a Japanese cruiser, on our left, to support the Sydney. So soon as this command was given smoke from the Mikado's ship darkened the sky, and she headed right through the centre of our big convoy. As she passed, foam and spray flew from her stern; her foredeck completely buried in the wash of the waves. The sight of this faithful ally's cruiser exerting her utmost energy and dash, not for the glory of her own flag, but in obedience to British commands, so stirred every soldier that roars of cheering rose from every transport. The silent . admiration with . which we watched the Sydney depart, because she was but one of our own ships only doing her duty, did' not satisfy our feelings when we saw the Japanese cruiser rushing with all her might, to fight our battle should the Sydney fail: This display of loyal devotion so fired our emotions that we spontaneously exploded cheer upon cheer till hoarseness stopped us." In the face of incidents like this we must not omit to recognise Japan's part and take all the kudos for our own Navy.- We must gratefully bear in mind that had a lucky shot from the enemy or an accident disabled the, Sydney the Mikado's , ship would have saved /Cocos ■ Island and ended the Emden.—l am etc., F. T. MOORE. Ist February.,