NAVAL PROMOTION

Northern Advocate, 8 November 1932, Page 6

NAVAL PROMOTION

“EVANS OF THE BROKE.” STIRRING EVENT RECALLED. Cabled advice on the Ist instant to the effect that Rear-Admiral Edward Radeliffo Garth Russell Evans had been promoted to the position of ViceAdmiral, recalls that the recipient of the honour is distinguished as an Antarctic explorer and also as “Evans of the Broke.” Born in June, 1872, and educated at the Merchant Taylors’ School, he entered the Navy at the age of 16. Five years later he was serving as lieutenant in the relief ship for the Discovery expedition, in the course of which Scott and Shackleton carried the British flag to the farthest point south then attained. This association with Scott was renewed when in 1909 Evans was appointed second in command of the Terra Nova expedition which ended tragically in 1913 with the death of Scott nnd the comrades with whom lie readied the Pole. Evans was the last man who conversed with Scott. When within 145 miles of the Polo Scott ordered Evans to return to the base with Lashly and Crean. When they were still 300 miles from the base Evans developed scurvy and was so ill that his companions dragged him on their sledge for several days. When they were about 34 miles from the nearest lint this method of progross became impossible. Crean then fought his way through soft snow -and brought back Surgeon Atkinson, who saved the sick man’s life. Evans was invalided home, but returned as leader of the expedition next year, -when the bodies of the polar party wore found. The Broke episode in 1917 was one of those which prove that, despite the view that modern naval warfare is merely a matter of toiinage and guns, the human factor still counts. Two .British destroyers, the Broke, commanded by Evans, and the Swift, suddenly encountered six German destroyers near the Straits of Dover. They engaged and within five minutes the Broke h;»d torpedoed two of the enemy vessels, rammed another, and out-fought, hand-to-hand the German crow. Meanwhile the Swift had put one German boat to flight and torpedoed another. Evans was promoted captain for this feat next day. In 1921, when in command of the cruiser Carlisle in the Far East he again gave an example of his courage and resource by rescuing 228 members of the crew of the Chinese vessel Hong Moll under very difficult and dangerous conditions. He commanded the Australian Squadron of- the Royal Navy, 1921-31. Honours have been showered on him, including the King Edward VII, and George V. medals and many special awards from Governments -and societies. He has written two books, “Keeping the Seas” and “South With Scott.” It was officially announced recently that Admiral Evans was to be Com-mander-iiPChief, Africa Station, in succession to Vice-Admiral Hugh J. Twcedie, as from January 16 next.