NAVAL PROMOTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21329, 2 November 1932, Page 11

NAVAL PROMOTION

VICE-ADMIRAL EVANS SAILOR AND EXPLORER BROKE EPISODE RECALLED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received November 1, 7.5 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 1 Pear-Admiral K. T!. G. Evans has Ijcen promoted vice-admiral. Vice-Admiral Edward Radcliffc Garth Russell Evans 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 tlio age of 16. Five years later ho was serving as lieutenant in the relief ship for the Discovery expedition, in the course of which Scott and Shackle! on carried the British flag to the farthest point south then attained. This association will - 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 and the comrades with whom he reached the Pole. Evans was the last man who conversed with Scott. When within 145 miles of the Pole Scott ordered Evans to return to the base with Lasldy and Crean. When they were still 300 miles from the base Evans developed scurvy and was so ill that his companions dragged hnn ou their sledge for several days. When they were about 34 miles from the nearest, hut this method of progress became impossible. Crean then fought his way through soft snow and brought back Surgeon Atkinson, who saved the sick mail's life. Evans was invalided home, but returned as leader of the expedition next year, when the bodies of the polar party were found.

The Broke episode in 1917 was one of those which prove that, despite the viewthat, modern naval warfare is merely a matter of tonnage 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 had torpedoed two of the enemy vessels, rammed another, and out-fought hand-to-hand Iho German crew. Meanwhile the Swift had put one German boat to flight antl 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 223 members of the crew of the Chinese vessel Hong Mob under very difficult and dangerous conditions. He commanded the Australian Squadron of the Royal Navy, 1921-31. Honours have been showered on him, including tlife King Edward \ 11. and George V. medals and many special awards from Governments and societies. Hr lias written two bonks, " Keeping tile Seas " and " South With Scott. It. was officially announced recently that Admiral Evans was to be Commander-in-Chief. Africa Station, in succession to ViceAdmiral Hugh J. Twcedie, as from January 16 next.