MOORING AIRSHIPS TO BATTLESHIPS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17527, 2 May 1925, Page 8

MOORING AIRSHIPS TO BATTLESHIPS.

NAVY’S NEW DEFENCES AGAINST AIRCRAFT. LONDON, Alay 2. Important developments of air warfare in the British Fleet are indicated in the memorandum of Mr 13ridgeman, tho First Lord of the Admiralty, issue ! i with the Navy estimates yesterday. These plans contemplate both attack and defence:— (1) By using warships as floating I bases for airships ; i (2) By improving the defensive armour of the warship against attacks from the air. Mr Bridgeman’s memorandum : “With regard to airships, the Admiralty were greatly interested in their development m view of their possible value for the purpose of naval reconnaissance in great oceans. “They are engaged in concert with the Air Ministry in studying the designs of tho mooring masts iu ships, which are an important development, and, if successful, will enhance the value of airships for naval purposes and render them more mobile. “The successful defence of H.M. ships against aircraft is receiving increased attention, and the installation of an adequate armament backed by modern instruments is being pressed forward. “Bombardment practices in co-oper-ation with land forces have been carried out by various squadrons with satisfactory results, and established an effective liaison with tho Army iu this important form of operation.” Another sign of changing conditions at sea is that all ranks are to be liable to serve in submarines. Till recently these vessels formed so small a proportion of tho Fleet that it was possible to man them entirely with volunteer-,.