RESERVE FLEET INSPECTED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 188, 11 August 1939, Page 7

RESERVE FLEET INSPECTED

KING EXTENDS CONGRATULATIONS EFFK'IEMY AND ENTHISIASM MEN’S SACRIFICE APPRECIATED, j | Brili-h Official Wireless I v Received Aug. 10, 5.5 p.m. RUGBY, Aug. 9. The King is now on his way to Bal- i moral by Royal train after his inspec- ' tion of the reserve fleet. This was carried out in dull weather with an in- . termittent drizzle, and the traditional order “splice the main brace" was sig- ' nailed from the Royal yacht before lunch instead of at the end of the visit. The King also gave an order that the ratings should wear oilskins. 1 The King sent the following mes- : sage to the commander: “Please convey to all ranks and ratings what a great pleasure it has been for me to inspect the reserve fleet under your command. The bringing forward for sea service of so many ships in a few days proves how smoothly the organisation works. The efficiency and smartness attained in such a short time after commissioning . could only be achieved by the enthusiasm and the whole-hearted cooperation of all hands, and it leaves no doubt in my mind that the fleet will quickly reach a high standard of fighting efficiency. I realise what sacrifices are being made by many retired officers, pensioners and reservists in leaving their homes to make possible this great and important addition to our naval strength. To all in the reserve fleet I send my hearty congratulations and good wishes." KING VISITS WEYMOUTH IMPRESSIVE PARADE LONDON, Aug. 9. The King arrived at. the Weymouth review of 133 ships of the Reserve Fleet and boarded the Royal yacht Victoria and Albert, where he was greeted by Admiral Deal Flotto. com-mander-in-chief of the French Naval Forces. He then went to the aircraft carrier Courageous, where he inspected 1500 reservists. With the British Fleets scattered in home and foreign waters in a full stale of preparedness for going about their normal occasions lhe fact that the King was able to review 133 ships of the Reserve Fleet—a complete navy in itself- serves to emphasise the extent of the nation's full sea power stretching in 14 lines in .he wide sweep of Weymouth Bay. Happily sunlit after dismal and rainy two months, the fleet presented a brilliant spectacle. The smal craft the terriers of the navy—predominated with the battleships Iron Duke and Ramifies and the aircraft carrier Courageous were outstanding figures. Other notable vessels were the veteran cruiser Cardiff, which led the German Fleet to Scapa Flow after the Great War. the destroyer Warwick, whereon Sir Roger Keys hoisted his flag in the Zeebrugge raid, and the cruisers Dunedin and Diomede, formerly of the New Zealand station.