THE BRITISH ARMY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144778, 7 September 1915, Page 7

THE BRITISH ARMY.

VISIT TO THE FLEET. BY AMERICAN CORRESPONDENT. THE LATEST NATAL SPORT. BT ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT. (Received Sept. 7, 11 a.m.) NEW YORK, Sept. 6. Frederick Palmer, one o£ the most experienced American mar correspondents, visited Admiral Jellicoe’s fleet and was shown a map indicating where German submarines had been captured, supposed to be sunk, and sunk. When asked how they were destroyed, the officers replied: "Sometimes by ramming, sometimes by gunfire or explosives, and many other ways which we can not tell.” Mr. Palmer states that the men on board the battleships and armed cruisers are envious of those engaged in submarine hunts, which are regarded as great sport. • . Britain has 2300 trawlers, minesweepers, and other auxiliaries, outside of her regular service, on duty for the blockade between the British Channel and Iceland add for keeping the North Sea clear. Their reservist crews are most zealous in performing this important work of overcoming the sort of warfare waged by the Germans. LINES OF DREADNOUGHTS. Mr. Palmer . said that at an important base there is line after line of Dreadnoughts painted the colour of the sea, including the Queen Elizabeth, hack from the Dardanelles, and the light cruiser squadron returned from scouting, in the North Sea. The seaplanes had their headquarters upon a famous Atlantic liner. The presence of the Lion and Tiger in their places in the battle squadron disproved the German story that the Tiger was at the . bottom, of, the sea._ Whether in the turrets on the bridge or below deck, there was a significant absence of anything, even the minutest, not serving a purpose in battle. With every passing month the fleet grows, stronger and better organised to meet any emergency. The methods of countering submarine attacks and destroying submarines have- also developed beyontj expectations. The navy’s hardest part in the war was in the early days when it was continually at sea looking for battle. Now it is securely ready and can steam out to action immediately the patrols sweeping the North Sea report any signs of the enemy. YOUNG ADMIRALS AND KEEN MEN. Approaching the flagship I saw Admiral Jelliooe walking on the quarterdeck, with a telescope under his arm, keeping an eye upon all those grey monsters. He is quick of movement and speech, tanned by years of exposure and constant duty. Only a band of gold lace distinguished him from the other officers as he received his guests. , The youthful appearance of Admirals Beatty, Sturdee, and other squadron commanders was impressive. Admiral Jcllicoo, at 57, was senior to them all. He is rarely without a telescope and there is nothing which the officer of the watch sees hut Admiral Jellicoe secs also. He escorted his guests throughout the flagship. The men were drilling and ho paid particular attention to the special machine giving the gunlayers 7 firing practice and recording the : results of each shot. The health of the bluejackets is better than in peace time, because of the length of the period on board, the consistent regimen, good food and ample exorcise. The patience, thoroughness, energy and eagerness for the_ fray of every man on hoard was amazing. The officers declare that Germany’s chance, if any, was at the, outset of the war. She has no chance now.