AUSTRALIAN NAVY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11990, 29 January 1920, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NAVY.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

London, Jan 27.

Commander S. S. Simpson, of the destroyer Anzac, commanding the flotilla, conducted Hon Andrew Fisher, the Australian High Commissioner, on a tour of inspection of the destroyers gifted to Australia by the British Government. The destroyers Tattoo, Tasmania, Stalwart and Success are lying at Chatham dockyard. The Anzac and Swordsman are still at PortsmouthMr Fisher inspected the crews lined up at the dockside. He congratulated the officers and men on their smart and workmanlike appearance. He expressed the gratification Australia felt at the splendid gift, and hoped the officers and men would spend a pleasant time on the Australian station.

Commander Simpson said he wanted the flotTla to set a good example everywhere. “We want efficient ships and happy ships and we c»n’t get the one without the other.”

Lieutenant - Commander A. M, Roberts, D. 5.0., of the Tattoo, escorted Mr Fisher over his vessel. Although there are also equally modern destroyers in Home and Mediterranean waters, the vessels are likely to excite considerable interest beyond Aden, as they are the most up-to-cate ever seen in Eastern waters. They will make an eight days’ stay at Bombay. It has been arranged that they shall arrive at Sydney on Anzac Day. The crews will serve in the Australian Navy for two years. /There was no difficulty in securing volunteers. All were enthusiastic at the prospect of a long stay in Australian waters. The crews of the Anzac and Swordsman include a considerable proportion of Australians. s The others are almost exclusively English. Ail have wide war service, representing practically every naval engagement except the Falkland Islands.

Commander Simpson gained the D.S.O. with bar for brilliant work in i mystery ships tracking down submarines.

Lieutenant - Commander Roberts served at the Dardanelles and Jutland.

Lieutenant Corby, of the Tattoo, was a gunner on the Vindictive and won special promotion in recognition of his bravery, he being one ef the first to land on the mole at , Zeebrngge, Another of the Tattoo’s officers is Engineer-Lieutenant Harden, of the Naval College, Jervis Bay, twice blown up during the'war—once aboard thqjOutacao in the Baltic. Lieutenant Commander HnghesWhito commands the Swordsman.

H. Joyce, D.S.O. and bar, gained while hunting submarines, commands the Tasmania.

F. L. Cavaye, wbo served aboard the Sydney, commands the Stalwart. Lieutenant Wace commands the Success.