ROYAL NAVY TO RULE THE SKIES
NAVAL AVIATION ARM BEING EXTENDED London, March 18 “We cannot hope any longer to have the largest Navy in the world, but we can have the best equipped, as we are certain we have the best manned.” The Financial Secretary to the Admiralty, Mr. J. Dugdale, said this in presenting the Navy estimates in the House of Commons.
He added that although the Navy would not undertake major construction or development this year, the money would be spent on research, especially on the effects of the atom bomb in naval warfare.
Improvements to ships would include increased refrigeration, better bathing facilities, reading rooms, cinemas and laundries in all but the smallest ships. More than 327,000 personnel were demobilised last year, and even if recruiting continued as at present, the Navy could not reach full requirements until 1950.
Over 2000 requisitioned and Govern-ment-owned fishing vessels hatj been released and re-converted. Some cruisers, destroyers, frigates, corvettes and a light fleet carrier had been or were being transferred to the Dominions, the Allies and India, and only two destroyers would be laid down this year.
About a-quarter of the Navy was now engaged directly or indirectly in naval aviation, and the proportion was increasing. There are 23 naval airfields and establishments at Home and abroad, employing 22,500. Mr. Dugdale, said it was hoped to select over all’branches, except professional officers, an average of 20 to 25 per cent, of officers either through the upper yard-arm scheme, or a scheme of selecting warrant officers for promotion to lieutenant. A sailor, when the clothing situation ■is easier, would for the first time in history be able to wear plain clothes off duty. Canteen and welfare committees would make possible a free discussion between officers and men on the general welfare of the ship. "In this way we hope every man will feel he has a part in the creation ot the best possible conditions in his ship.”
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Wanganui Chronicle, 20 March 1947, Page 6
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328ROYAL NAVY TO RULE THE SKIES Wanganui Chronicle, 20 March 1947, Page 6
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