Naval Dockyard Commander To Retire Next Week

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 October 1948, Page 2

Naval Dockyard Commander To Retire Next Week

AUCKLAND, Last Night (PA).— The engineer-manager of the Devonport Naval Dockyard, Commander (E) A. J. Norris, 0.8. E., R.N., is to retire from the Royal Navy next week. He has served in ships and establishments on the New Zealand stations since 1937. For the past two years he has held the post of Director of Naval Engineering in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Commander Norris entered the Royal Navy through Dartmouth, and first went to sea in 1917 in the battleship Royal Oak. He later served extensively on the Mediterranean and China stations and in the rank of commander he became engineer officer of the Leander in 1937. He saw service in the Second World War in the Leander and Achilles and was appointed engineer-manager of the dockyard five years ago. Outstanding work was undertaken by Commander Norris in supervising the repair and maintenance of British and American ships of the Pacific Fleet. Over £1,000,000 had been spent in preparing the dockyard for this role, and 'he speed and efficiency of 500 or 600 tradesmen working under Commander Norris’ control was commended by senior naval commanders. The part Commander Norris played in these activities was recognised by the award of 0.8. E. in 1947.