NAVAL FLAGSHIP

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 111, 13 May 1933, Page 13

NAVAL FLAGSHIP

CHANGE TO DUNEDIN

IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIAL

With customary naval ceremonj, Commodore F.. Burges Watson transferred his flag from H.M.S. .Diomede to H.M.S. Dunedin punctually at two o'clock on Thursday afternoon, when the Dunedin became the new flagship, of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy (states.the "New Zealand Herald"). A few Hours later the strength of the division was considerably reduced by the departure of over 100 officers and ratings, mostly, -from the Diomede, on their return to England. The actual change-over was simple. Just as four bells ' struck, the commodore, accompanied by his secretary, Paymaster-Lieutenant J. M. ' Hogan,walked across the gangplank from the Diomedoi to the Dunedin.. Simultaneously the broad pennant was hauled down from the mainmast of the Diomede and another was broken at the masthead of the Duaediri. A guard of Royal Marines, mounted- on the quarter deck "of. the new flagship, gave the commodore's salute and the band struck up the march from "lolanthe," an air frequently used in the ■ Navy on ceremonial occasions. ■■ . ■ On board the v Dunedin, Commodore Burges Watson was met by Captain M. J. C. de Meric and hia officers. He inspected the guard'and'then entered his cabin. The Dunedin had become the new flagship. ■ r Immediately the commodore's flag was.?hauled down.from the mainmast of the Diomede it was replaced by the captain.'s flag of Captain V. A. C. Crutchley, V.G., which' was then flown for the 'first time. Captain Crutchley waa promotect captain' on January 1 and this is the first occasion in the history of the squadron that a captain has flown Ms first'flag actually on the station.