LINERS AND WAR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 59, 12 March 1935, Page 4

LINERS AND WAR

yHE decision of the British Admiralty to enlist the co-operation 1 of British liners in the naval exercises which are to be carried out in the Atlantic, is one which is in accord with experiences of the last Great War.

When the eonvoy system was first suggested the Admiralty did not approve it, because they feared that the mercantile ships comprising the eonvoy would not be able to keep station. It was overlooked that the mercantile mariner is always at sea in all weathers, whereas the navy units are not often at sea because of the expense and the absence of need for their being out of harbour. The maximum of ability from the standpoint of seamanship rests with the mercantile men, although of course manoeuvring in action is the specific work of the men of the navy. There is certainly need for a familiarising of the two branches of the maritime service with each other’s ability and special requirements, and the eo-ordination of the two in sea exercises will prove profitable to both.