NAVAL PARADE THROUGH CITY

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 130, 29 November 1945, Page 8

NAVAL PARADE THROUGH CITY

MR. FRASER TAKES SALUTE

There were repeated cries of "Good old England!"..when Wellingtonians this morningl gave contingents from H.M.S. Indefatigable, Urchin, and Wizard an enthusiastic welcome as they marched through the city streets to the saluting base opposite the Kailway Station. Bright sunlight reflected glistening" steel from polished bayonets as the participants in momentous scenes in the Pacific that are as yet hardly history passed in review, with measured step, before the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) and Vice-Admiral Sir Philip Vian.

H.M.S. Indefatigable provided about 300 men for the parade and there were detachments of 25 each from the destroyers Urchin and Wizard. The men were cheered repeatedly as they made their way from Courtenay Place. After a punctual start, they reached the saluting base in front of Army Headquarters shortly before 11 a.m.

The Prime Minister, who stood on a small dais covered with the traditional crimson carpet, bared his head as the King's Colour approached with its attendant party, followed by the parade commander (Commander J. F. Whitfeld, R.N.) and the Colour escort The latter consisted of one platoon each from H.M.S. Urchin and Wizard. Sub-Lieutenant James was in command of the men from the Urchin, and Lieutenant Hunter those from the Wizard. Lieutenant-Commander R. D. Ritchie, gunnery officer, was in charge of the men from PI.M.S. Indefatigable.

Three years ago Lieutenant-Com-mander Ritchie was gunnery officer in H.M.S. Achilles when she was bombed off Guadalcanal.

Immediately behind the Prime Minister was the' Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) and the Mayor (Mr. ADpleton), together with Commodore Faulkner, First Member of the New Zealand Naval Board, Brigadier Weir, General Officer-designate Commanding the New Zealand Forces, and Air ViceMarshal Isitt, representing the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

One of the first arrivals at the saluting base was Vice-Admiral Sir Philip Vian. X.C.8., K.8.E., D.5.0.. who was

accompanied by Caotain T. A. P. McIntyrc, C.8.E., D.5.0., of H.M.S. Indefatigable, also by his Chief of Staff. Captain Dickinson. D.S.C.. Commander Maclean, D.S.C.. Master of the Fleet. Commander Hallett, D.S.C.. air group commander, Licutenant-Commnnder Hankey. flag lieutenant-commander to the Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander Hawkcs. D.S.C.. staff officer, and Commander Stevenson, secretary to the Admiral.

Among those who occupied positions near the base were a number of students from the Wellington Girls' College. Admiral Vian expressed a desire to meet them, and. accompanied by the Mayor, he spent some time chatting with them, until he stepped forward to greet the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence.

The parade started at the corner of Taranaki and Manners Streets, and proceeded along Manners Street, Willis Street, Lnmbton Quay. Stout and Bunny Streets to Waterloo Quay. At its conclusion the men returned to their ships.

Following the King's Colour and naval parties came the Royal Marines, Band. That section of the parade was led by Lieutenant Michell. of the Royal' Marines. The Colour was "dipped"' as its escort approached the Prime Minister. The parade was given the order "Eyes right," and the officers saluted as the contingent passed the base.

Before leaving, the Prime Minister congratulated Admiral Vian and his officers on the efficient appearance of their men.