RESERVE FLEET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23884, 11 August 1939, Page 9

RESERVE FLEET

REVIEW BY THE KING OVER ONE HUNDRED SHIPS A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Aug. 9. The King arrived at Weymouth to review 133 ships of the reserve fleet. Bathers left the water, hurriedly dressed, and joined the crowds welcoming his Majesty. The King boarded the royal yacht Victoria and Albert, where he was greeted by Admiral de la Flotte, commander-in-chief of the French naval forces. He then went to the aircraft carrier Courageous, where he inspected 1500 reservists. With the British fleets scattered in home and foreign waters in full state of preparedness and going about their normal occasions the fact that the King was able to review 133 ships of the reserve fleet—a complete navy in itself —serves to emphasise the extent of the nation’s full sea power. Stretching in 14 lines in the wide sweep of Weymouth Bay, which was happily sunlit after a dismal rainy two months, the fleet presented a brilliant spectacle. Small craft —the terriers of the Navy—predominated. The battleshios Iron Duke and Ramilles and the aircraft carrier Courageous were the outstanding figures. Others were the veteran cruiser Cardiff, which led the German fleet to Scapa Flow, the destroyer Warwick, on which Sir Roger Keyes hoisted his flag in the Zeebrugge raid, the cruisers Dunedin and Diomede, formerly on the New Zealand station, and the Broke, of Admiral Evans fame. HIGH STATE OF EFFICIENCY MESSAGE FROM THE KING (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Aug. 9. The King is now on his way to Balmoral bv royal train after spending eight hours with the officers and men of the Reserve Fleet. His inspection of the 133 ships of the Reserve Fleet at Weymouth Bay was carried out in,dull weather, with an intermittent drizzle, and the traditional order to “ splice the main brace ” was signalled from the royal yacht before lunch instead of at the end of the visit.

The King also gave an order that the ratings should wear oilskins. _ Before leaving the royal yacht this evening, the King sent the following message to Vice-admiral Max Horton: —“Please convey to all ranks and ratings what a great pleasure it has been for me to inspect the Reserve Fleet under your command. The bringing forward for sea service of so many ships in a few days proves how smoothly the organisation works. The efficiency and smartness attained in such a short time afler commissioning could only have been achieved by the enthusiasm and whole-hearted co-opera-tion of all hands, and it leaves no doubt in my mind that the fleet will quickly reach a high standard of fighting efficiency. “ I realise what sacrifices are being made by many retired officers, pensioners, and reservists in leaving their homes to make possible this great and important addition to our naval strength. To all in the Reserve Fleet I send my hearty congratulations and good wishes.” Vice-admiral Horton, in his reply message, said: “The vice-admiral commanding the Reserve Fleet, with his humble duty, has the honour to thank your Majesty on behalf of all under his command for your Majesty’s gracious message. All officers and men are deeply sensible of the honour which your Majesty has done them by journeying specially from Scotland to inspect the Reserve Fleet, and your Majesty’s visit will encourage them to give of their best in the task of bringing their ships to a high state of fighting efficiency,”