SEEING THE WORLD

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3675, 2 March 1940, Page 5

SEEING THE WORLD

LIFE IN THE NAVY ABLE-SEAMAN A. SPEIGHT'S TRAVELS Most boys join the navy to see the world, and Able-Seaman Arthur Speight, who is at present in Cambridge, has been to most countries during the nine years that have elapsed since he first joined up. Of all the trips he has undertaken, of course, the last one to South America was the most momentous;. Able-Seaman Speight was born in Cambridge 23 years ago, being the younger son of Mr and Mrs H. H. Speight, of Thornton Road. He attended the Cambridge Primary School and the Hamilton Technical High School before joining the Navy when 14 years of age. For twelve months he was attached to H.M.S. Philomel at the base and was then transferred to H.M.S. Dunedin. In the latter, cruises were made around New Zealand and to the Pacific Islands, including Honolulu. A two-months' trip was also made to Australia for the Melbourne Centenary, the cruiser also visiting Sydney and Hobart..

On Special Service

When Able-Seaman Speight was transferred to H.M.S. Diomede in 1935, he was fortunate enough to undertake one of the most interesting journeys that it has been the lot of any sailor to experience in the Navy. Shortly after the transfer the Diomede left New Zealand for special service, and was stationed at Aden, in the Red Sea, for four months.

From there, the Diomede went on to England, arriving in February, 1936. Two weeks' leave was granted to the New Zealanders, and Able-Seaman Speight used the time to best advantage visiting towns in the southern counties.

In England H.M.S. Achilles was commissioned ,and in. March, 1936, a return to New Zealand was com* menced. At Gibraltar, the cruiser was held for some time, owing to tension in the Mediterranean, and departure was made two days before the Spanish Civil War broke out'. Able-Seaman Speight visited many Spanish towns while at Gibraltar.

Home via Panama

The journey was completed by way of the Panama Canal, with stops made at Jamaica and Nukuhiva in the Marquesas Islands: NewZealand was reached in September,

1936, after an absence of 11 months. The easier life at the base for a year was thought by Able-Seaman Speight to be his lot when he was transferred back to the "Philomel." However, a few months later he was sent to the minesweeper Whakakura, which is also used for training naval reservists. While in her, classes were handled from the Christchurch and Wellington Divisions.

Another short term followed in the Philomel, after which Able-Sea-man Speight aud four others left by passenger steamer for Australia, where they entered Flinders Naval Depot, near Melbourne, for specialised training in torpedo work. After five months there the course was completed in November, 1937, and with his special qualification, AbleSeaman Speight returned to New Zealand by the Awatea. Exercises With R.A.N.

A month's holiday followed over the Christmas period and h# returned to the "Philomel" for a few weeks before joining the "Leander" on her trip to Australia for the Royal iHobart Centenary. Melbourne was also visited and then war exercises were carried out with the Australian Squadron. At that time the "Leander" and the "Achilles" were "enemy raiders." Another island cruise followed in the "Leander," when many places that had been previously visited, were called at again. A tour of New Zealand was also made, the crew undergoing a week's rifle course when at Wellington. So another year had passed round, and early in January, 1939, the "Leander" visited Australia again for further war exercises. At that time the "Achilles" was in England, and when she returned, Able-Seaman Speight was transferred to her. Getting Ready for War The next cruise was to the Islands, with the Governor-General on board. All the special functions that were arranged for His Excellency were seen by the crew, and the voyage was very enjoyable. The "Achilles" had not long been back from this trip, and was carrying out exercises in the Haurafki Gulf, when she was suddenly recalled for docking and provisioning. Everything was in doubt after that, until on August 29, five days before the outbreak of war, the "Achilles" slipped away quietly to an unknown destination. The remainder is now wellknown as the greatest feat in New Zealand Naval history. Able—Seaman Speight as a torpedo man was doing electrical work during the battle. It was found that the concussion of the guns of the "Achilles" broke light bulbs and blew-out fuses. It was vitally necessary to keep the lights going, particularly in such dark places as the magazines, and Able-Seaman Speight was one of a party, who faced considerable danger in all parts of the cruiser, maintaining the electrical equipment in good order.