N.Z. NAVAL COMMAND

Grey River Argus, 22 May 1942, Page 5

N.Z. NAVAL COMMAND

Admiral Ghormley Arrives

P.A. AUCKLAND, May 21. Until recently Chief Naval Observer in London, Vice-Admiral Robert L. Ghormi'ey, of the United States Navy, has arrived in Auckland. He is an officer who is regarded in United States Naval circles as being a strategist of exceptional ability. While in Brittin he was intimately associated with the preparation of ah joint plans between the Royal Navy and his own service, lie entered the United States Naval Academy a. Washington in 1902, and graduated four years later. In succeeding years he passed through the usual ranks and his career contained a normal mixture of sea and shore service. Later he passed through the War College at Newport, Enode Island. Vice Admiral Ghormley’s specialty is war planning, and he has a yerv considerable reputation in this field o study. For a number of years ho held'an appointment in the Navy Department being - engaged on staff duties and war nlannino-. Before beln<r sent to London, he was assistant to’ the' Chief of Naval OperationsCORAL SEA BATTLE . - LONDON, May 20. Replying to Mr Ellis-’ Smith in the Commons, Sir Archbald Sinclair sax. that full details of the part played by dive-bombers and torpedo-carry-ing aircraft in the Coral Sea batt.e were not available. When reports were received they would be carefully studied for any new lessons. Steps were taken in July, 1940, to ensure an adequate supply of divebombers, and the question of more accurate bombing from high altitudes was constantly under consideration. Mr Alexander, replying to Sir A. Sueter, said that judging from newspaper reports, it was reasonable to deduce that planes and aircraftcarriers operated in the Coral Sea battle. ' Sir A. Sueter: Haven’t you accutate details from the United States about this battle? It is very important that we know something about

it. Mr Alexander replied: We are anxious to get all particulars. Perhaps you have seen the Navy Department communique oh May J, in which it stated they were not publishing details for the time being.