BLACK PRINCE VISIT

Evening Star, Issue 25776, 26 April 1946, Page 5

BLACK PRINCE VISIT

THE "DIDO" CLASS CRUISERS

SHOULD SERVE BOMIMON WELL The opinion that the ships of . the modified " Dido " class which " are to be stationed in New Zea- • land should fulfil' their task in every way is held by the commanding officer of H.M.S. Black Prince (Captain G; V, Gladstone, R.N.). An important feature of these ships, he said,.was that they were designed for both anti-aircraft , and surface bombardment purposes and for that reason New Zealanders who trained in them would receive very valuable experience. The training would be fairly strenuous if the ships were to be . efficiently worked, but it would be more interesting and complete than that received in the more departmentalized vessels. They were seaworthy ships and their size would give them the advantage of being able to enter harbours in the Dominion and the islands which would be denied to larger vessels. The smaller crews required for these ships should also be an advantage. The value of the revolutionary layout of the Dido class, with 'the officers' quarters beneath the bridge instead of aft, was proved in war, but might be , somewhat inconvenient for peacetime duties of " showing .the flag'.'' which demanded some emphasis on the social and ceremonial, aspect. Captain Gladstone said that this arrangement did "not provide the facilities for receiving distinguished guests or , for giving entertainment. In all nine Dido class vessels were built, five to the original design and four, to the modified specifications.