NIGHT HIDEOUS WITH CRASH OF MIMIC BATTLE

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6865, 21 March 1929, Page 6

NIGHT HIDEOUS WITH CRASH OF MIMIC BATTLE

Britain’s Navies at War REALISTIC MANOEUVRES t/niterl Press Association —By Electri# Telegraph —Copyright. Received Wednesday, 8.5 p.m. LONDON, March 10.

A message from l’olienza. in the Island of Majoria, states that the combined Atlantic and Mediterranean Fleet steamed in there to-day after a strenuous day-long battle yesterday, an appalling slogging match, between the world’s greatest battlships. Dawn yesterday found the Atlantic Fleet steaming south-east from Pollenzn, intending to destroy the Mediterranean Fleet’s convoy. All hands were called to action stations. Reconnaissance aircraft earlv located the Mediterranean Battle Fleet, and soon the vanguards of both fleets consisting of battle cruisers and light craft, had a brush. Then both fleets turned north on parallel courses out of the range of their guns while aircraft continued skyraiding from aircraft carriers. The second battle squadron of tho Atlantic Fleet became sorely pressed. Viewed from the Rodney, the Flagship Newson looked like a wallowing hippopotamus attacked by a swarm of bees and it was adjudged she was damaged. It was also estimated the Hood lost twenty-five per cent of her efficiency, but tlic aircraft was adjudged to have lost heavily. . . The Vindictive towards nightfall signalled: “I am sinking.” The Atlantic Fleet closed up, still without lights and crept along the moonlit sea. a twisting line of shadows. Then the Prime Minister of the Atlantic Fleet’s country wirelessed to the Cominandcr-in-Chicf: ‘‘A Naval success is essential at all costs in order to restore national confidence.” The Atlantic Fleet moved onward, sinking a quartette of enemy dcstroyThe Mediterranean Fleet’s star shells stabbed the distant skyline, indicating tliat the Atlantic Fleet s hgh craft were engaged in action. Tlie Atlantic Fleet changed its course with tho starboard horizon flaming with parachute flares resembling scores of lamps floating in the sky. As tho range diminished, fragments of star shells fell around the Rodney with screams like live skells. The Rodnev’s guns banged and shells burst over tlie hitherto invisible foe. Tho flares falling slowly . seaward silhouetted the enemy battleships. With crashes and vivid flashes, our guns hurled shrieking projectiles through the darkness. Tho battle ended, and every ship turned on her lights, the countless rows of which illuminated the sea.