AUSTRALIAN NAVY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16375, 1 November 1916, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN NAVY.

MEN BACK FROM SERVICE.

PARADE IN SYDNEY DOMAIN

For the second time since the outbreak of the war, Australian Navy men who have seen active service in it marched through Sydney street. The first parade was of the first force to leave Australia. 15 days after war was declared—members of the Australian Naval and Military Force who captured German New Guinea. Those who marched through the city on October 24 were men of three fighting ships in the harbour, and also a oontin gent from a training ship—cubs who have yet to be blooded. The line of march took the battalion, which was commanded by Lieutenant Eardley Wilmot, R.N., from Man-o'-War Steps through the principal streets of the city to the Domain, where the men were addressed and inspected by the Governor-GeneraL Two Years of Service. En route the naval men were given a rousing reception from many thousands of c ookers who stood in the streets and cheered and waved flags from the business establishments they passed. It cannot be said that the men marched—they rather rolled with the easy action which comes after treading heaving decks through heavy seas. They had their heads back and their shoulders squared as befit men who, for two years past, have faced gales in almost every sea. The Governor-General, on arrival, was givei the Royal salute, the band of the Royal Australian Naval Reserve playing the National Anthem. Sir Ronald Mimro Ferguson, having inspected the battalion, addressed the men. He said the Austra lian ships had done arduous work for two years and more, and had a fine record of service. He was glad to welcome the men home after their two years' service. Sir Ronald read a report from the admiral of the Cape of Good Hope station, in which he set out, in parting with one of the ships which had now left his command on its return to Australia, his jrrcat satisfaction at the behaviour of the ship's company. The ship had done good service, and the crew had been good and native. The admiral mentioned the work of several of the officers, whom he named, in actions against superior forces. The ship had been frequently in action against land forces, and had acquitted herself well. He hoped, shortly, to bring these services before the Lords of the Admiralty. On the African Coast. The Governor-General remarked that the report was a very fine one, and reflected great credit upon those whom it concerned. As was known, they had been in the action which saw the end of the Konig berg, and had also had other service en the African coast in hot weather and under conditions which demonstrated the fine stamina of the crew. As had been seen by this report they had not been fend wanting. More than two years ago. one of the ships, as all would remember, came to Sydney to fit out for war. Her first duty was in regard tct the German Pac'fic islands, and it was her hard luck that during that cruise she had not met the German squadron. She was now at the post of honour in the North Sea, where this business, so far as she was etneerned, would be settled. He also had a report from Admiral Sit George Patey, under date August 16 of this year, in which he set out that on relinquishing his command of the Australian Navy he wished to express his thanks and appreciation of the loyal co-operation and assistance he had received from his men. It had been his peculiarly good fortune to see the results of training in peace times tested in time of war, and so worthily too. He added that the Australian Navy had earned the respect and confidence of the Empire, because of its services. He wished them Gcd speed and continued success in the future. Long and Arduous Patrols. Sir Rcnald Munro Ferguson referred to the verv long cruises of the ships of the Australian Navy. Lone and arduous patrols had been efficiently dene. They bad to mourn the loss of one submarine and the capture of another. Referring to other w<vrk, the Governor-General said that several cruisers had done admirable patrolling work north of Australia. The intelligent service of the coastal ships had also been excellent. Fine work bad also been done at headquarters in the dock yards, the transports, and organisation work, which had been invaluable. This bad robbed many officers and men of a chance of more active service, but they had been inspired by the highest, motives —their duty to their King and country.