Visits to World’s Biggest Fortifications

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 81, 6 April 1939, Page 7

Visits to World’s Biggest Fortifications

DUNEDIN MAN’S TRAVELS Visits to the three strongest fortified naval bases in tho world were included in the itinerary of Mr. G. J. Errington, a prominent Dunedin business man, who has returned from a twelve months' trip abroad. Mr. Errington, who is wellknown in Christchurch as a past-presi-dent of the Otago Expansion Loague, is at present visiting tho city. Ho visited thirty-six countries during his travels. Mr. Errington’s most vivid impression was the great strength of {Singapore. The country, he said, was fiat and appeared innocent. Tho camouflaged fortifications weye where ono loast expected to find them. Tho two graving docks, said to be the largest in the world, could accommodate tho biggest battleships afloat. Tho immense workshops could carry out any repair work that might be required, irrespective of its magnitude.

“The natural situation of the fortifications lends them added strength,” said Mr. Errington. “It is hard to conceive of any attack on Singapore having a chance of success.” Anti-aircraft defences were said to be particularly strong at the base, but so well camouflaged were the guns that Mr. Errington did not see ono of them. Giant petrol tanks, buried in the ground, were situated amidst groves ol rubber trees, and the tops of the tanks were camouflaged to look like trees. One could almost stumble over them before realising what they were. Mr. Errington emphasised that Gibraltar was no back number. It was still one of tho strongest fortresses in tho world and tho guns mounted on the opposite coast represented no real menace. Only a direct hit could do any damage, and, so well protected were the giant guns that this was a thousand to ono chance. The Rock was also very nearly impervious to attack from the air.

Tho third base of 'which Mr. Errington spoke was Pearl Harbour, Honolulu. He was given the opportunity to see the fortifications, which impressed him with their extent and strength. There was a standing army of about 30,000 men, and guns everywhere. “Uncle Sam is taking his job seriously in the Pacific, and Hawaii is a good hopping-off place for trouble,” ue said. Mr. Errington was in Germany three days before the September crisis. Asked for his impression of the atmosphere in Germany during those critical days, he summed up his view by saying that the young, who had been taught that what Germany had lost by the sword could be recovered by the sword, were very mili-

tant; the older folk, who knew the horrors of wav from personal experience, were very concerned.