“ADMIRAL SIMS.”

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 16303, 2 December 1918, Page 8

“ADMIRAL SIMS.”

A STOSY GOOD ENOUGH TO BE TRUE.! Many arc. the enjoyable stories going round since all the gallant lads first began trooping over the sea. But one of the best is one which deals with the adventure of “Admiral Sims.''’

Certain of the United States troops overseas have as their mascot a small tabby kitten .that was presented to them by the little daughter of the mayor of a well-known county town in England, near where these troops had been in camp. This fascinating ball of fluff and blue eyes at once became a very popular pet with tho men, and was named in a burst of enthusiasm “Admiral Sims,” after the United States’ famous naval officer. On the troops being moved down to the const to embark for France, the. kitten travelled in a- wicker basket in care of a corporal, who, waiting on the quay to go on board tho transport, placed the “Admiral” and basket on a nearby stanchion, but forgot all about their blue-eyed pet a few minutes later in tho excitement of filing aboard with liis mates. Away went tho groat transport amid a hurricane of cheering and waving of flags ashore, and not till she was well out of port that evening was tho absence of tho “Admiral” discovered. Then nil was dismay. To land in France without, the lucky pet was to ask for some disaster. , 'Hie corporal went to his captain. Tho captain went to his colonel. The colonel went to his. superior officer, who at onee saw tho naval captain of the, transport about the matter. “It won’t ] do,” said tho skipper in return. “I : know exactly how.the men take it, and I would feel just the same. Yes, I’ll arrange tho matter at onee.” Smartly then tho transport signalled to the destroyers; escorting her across the Channel, “Admiral Sims left on tho quay. Can you embark him?” Promptly the officer commanding tho dostroyors. appreciating tho great honour of having the States’ famous admiral on board, j signalled back that ho would return | at onee..

Through tho dusk away clashed his flaghoal toward tho port of embarkation. As she neared the harbour her sigma! lantern blinked “Returning for Admiral Sims. I‘lcase inform.” With her crew lined up in honour and flags flying, tho warship drew up alongside the jetty. Alien to the astonishment of all a basket was handed over containing a kitten that was mewing a little and trying to scramble out, “Where’s the Admiral?'’ shouted the destroyer’s commander from his bridge. “W’y, he he inside the basket, sir.” was the reply. It was then a pandemonium of laughter and language i'-nkp out an board that ship of His Britannic Majesty.

An hour later tbe "Admiral” was restored to his men, and great was their delight. To-day there is a certain British naval officer who very calmly tells you bo once made tbo acquaintance of Admirals; that he is the quietest and best of men, talks very little never touches tobacco and drinks nothing but milk. -But that is nil he tells of his side of tho story of when “Admiral Sims” wont astray.