THE GRAND FLEET.

West Coast Times, 20 June 1916, Page 3

THE GRAND FLEET.

INSPECTED I!Y THE KING. A MESS AUK TO THE NAVY. (Received, 0.20 p.m., Juno 10th.) LONDON, Juno 19. Tho King inspected the whole of the Grand Fleet and visited wounded nave; men in Scottish hospitals. The I’ress Bureau reports that tue Kin", addressing a parade of representative units of the Grand Fleet, said: “You have waited nearly two years with most exemplars- patience for the opportunity of meet in" and e.ig..,, n r the enemy's fleet. I can well understand how trying this i>eriod has been and how great the relief was when ynknew on May 01st that the enemy had been sighted. The unfavourable weather conditions and approaching darkness prevented the complete result you ail expected; hut you did all possible under the circumstances and drove the enemy into their harbour and inflictci on them the severest losses, thus adding another page to the glorious traditions of the British Navy. You could not do more. For your splendid work I thank you." The King, at the conclusion of his visit, sent the following message to Admiraf Jellieoe; “ I am thankful for the opportunity of congratulating you and the Gra - * Fleet on the result of the recent engagement at sea. I assure all ranks and ratings that the name of the British Navy never stood higher in the eyes of their fellow countrymen, whore pride and confidence in their achievements is nnahated. Good luck, and God speed. M-.y your future efforts be blessed with complete success.” , AN ADMIRAL’S OPINION. A GLORIOUS VICTORY. I

LONDON. June 1?. Admiral Cyprian Bridge, in an article forecasting Sir John Jellicoe's despatch, said that he was convinced it would show a victory as decisive and as glorious as the Ist of June, and nearly, if not quite, as decisive as Admiral Rodney’s on April 12th. 1782; also that we had superior tactics, gunnery. and enterprise. There had never been finer leading or more gallant following. Admirals Hood and Arhuthnot left behind names covered, with glory. Captains, officers, and ship’s companies responded nobly. The violence of Admiral Beatty’s attacks demoralised and confused the enemy. The Germans admit that a German ship rammed one of tfo of their own submarines. The ships were ordered to retreat to shelter and skeltered to safety, failing to preserve their formation. Our losses were less heavy than students of naval warfare who understand modern conditions expected.