BRITISH FLEET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23166, 12 October 1938, Page 15

BRITISH FLEET

DEMOBILISATION PLANS GERMAN MOVE AWAITED LONDON, Oct. 10 It is learned on the highest authority that the demobilisation of the Fleet will not be carried out completely before the German Army and Air Force* resume a peace-time footing, says* the Australian Associated Press. Normal British naval training has not yet been resumed but depots have been reopened for recruiting. Numerous reservists have been released. The German reserves called up in August will begin demobilisation next Tuesday and it will be completed in two or three weeks, says the Berlin correspondent of the British United Press. SMOOTHLY MOBILISED *• -\u OFFICIALS GRATIFIED British Wireless RUGBY, Oct. 10 The officials who were concerned in the strenuous work which Britain's naval mobilisation involved are understood to be well pleased with the smoothness with which the machinery worked. Except for a partial mobilisation in 1922, it had not been tested since 1914.

Nearly 30,000 men were at their posts within three days of the King's proclamation. There was a wonderfully enthusiastic response, and the officials concerned were particularly impressed by the cheerfulness of the personnel. The King signed the proclamation at 11 a.m. on September 28, but five hours earlier, one- reservist, having heard a rumour of the coming proclamation, had reported at his depot. No fewer than 4000 reported at one depot in 12 hours, and at another 4500 were passed through the whole routine of medical and dental examinations, pay arrangements, the issue of gas masks, and other safeguards in 24 hours. The majority of the men were drafted to ships without any delay, some being on their way to vessels within three hours of reporting.