THE ROYAL OAK

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 83, 20 March 1928, Page 5

THE ROYAL OAK

INCIDENT RAISED IN r j COMMONS. — / FIRST LORO’S STATEMENT. ! COURT-MARTIAL TO BE .HELD, j.' [By Cable —Press Assn. — Copyright.); j (Received 20 9.10 a-m.) London, March 19. In the House ot Commons the Hon. , W. L. Bridgeman informed a questioner that just a s the fleet was due to sail on March 10. Captain Dewai and Commander Daniels handed 1 written statements to Rear-Admiral Collard referring to differences between him and them. Departure was nostponed for 15 hours for an inquiry, the court consisting of an admiral and two rear-admirals. Admiral Keyes proposed that Rear-Admiral Collard transfer his flag to the Resolution but, for personal reasons, the Rear ; Admiral desired to leave immediately. Captain Dewar and CommandeiDaniels were relieved of their positions and directed to return to England. The Admiralty had asked for a report from the court but the Com-manler-in-Chief had replied that it was impossible to telegraph a summary. which might be misinterpreted. Until the report was received the Admiralty, was not in a position to make a definite statement. Captain Dewar and Commander Daniels arrived in London on. Thursday and sent a letter requesting their reinstatement on the Royal Oak or, alternatively trial by court-martial. The Admiralty concurred in the Com-mander-in-Chief’s action. Rear-Admiral Collard was returning to England. Certain important issues remained, said Mr Bridgeman, which the Admiralty, in the best interests of the service, had decided should lie investigated by a court-martial to be held at Gibraltar as soon as possible. Pressed for information as to the exact nature of the serious trouble, Mr Bridgeman said: “I cannot give it without prejudicing the courtmartial. I am sure the House will agree that justice and fair play should be done the officers and therefore hope it will not press for details.” Asked if he did not think that the present practice created suspicion and false rumours. Mr. Bridgeman replied ho did not want to create suspicion but would take the blame of withholding further details. He said the officers could be represented by King’s Counsel at the court-martial.

An overnight cable stated The “Daily Express’s” naval correspondent states that at a dance given on the Royal Oak the music was to be supplied by two bands from the ship one composed of marines and the other a jazz band formed by officers and seamen of the battleship. The jazz band played a number of dances but a discussion when the official band was due to play resulted in the jazz band continuing. The trivial incident raises the important question of the degree of authority an admi-al has on his own flagship.