ROYAL NAVY “ATTACKED”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26772, 15 May 1948, Page 8

ROYAL NAVY “ATTACKED”

* COMBINED MANCEUVRES OFF BRITAIN LONDON, May 13. Fighter and bombing planes swept up from airfields among Britain’s eastern seaboard to “ attack ” a naval force reported off Northern Scotland to-day, and destroyers and submarines sailed from the Orkneys to intercept. The British combined air and sea manoeuvres are the biggest since 1939. and a prelude to bigger exercises in the autumn. Aircraft, and ships will range from Scotland to the Norwegian coast near Stavanger during the “ battle.” The attacking force consists of two battleships, one cruiser, four frigates, and an aircraft carrier. The defending fleet comprises two battleships, one carrier, and a force of submarines. About 130 aircraft are participating. Lord Hall, First Lord of the Admiralty, said the naval exercises marked the virtual rebirth of the reorganised Royal Navy. The exercise was a preliminary to the fleet’s proposed autumn cruise to the West Indies, in which the Vanguard and several aircraft carriers would also participate. Although the Home Fleet was at present much reduced, said Lord Hall, there were elements in reserve which would ultimately bring it up to strength. This afternoon the First Lord visited the operations room at the Admiralty to follow the progress of the exercise.