WAR IN PACIFIC

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23110, 26 January 1945, Page 5

WAR IN PACIFIC

British Fleet In Action Soon (11.25 p.m.) NEW YORK. Jan. 25. Admiral Sir James Somerville, head of the British Admiralty delegation, described Admiral W. F. Halsey’s recent Pacific strikes as colossal, says the Washington correspondent of the “Herald-Tribune.” Admiral Somerville hinted that elements of the British Fleet would soon be joining in the Pacific war. They would be under Admiral Nimitz's command, but it was possible that some elements would be attached to General MacArthur’s forces. The final disposition would be decided by Admiral E. J. King. A good part of the Royal Navy was still occupied elsewhere than in the Pacific, as the Germans might decide at any time to risk the remainder of their navy, which is believed to comprise at least two pocket battleships, two eight-inch and four six-inch cruisers, 40 to 50 destroyers and also lesser craft. Admiral Somerville credited the American Navy’s ability to travel so far and remain at sea so long to fleet training, regarding which the Royal Navy was far behind, though it hoped to catch uu soon.