THE ROYAL NAVY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21259, 1 November 1940, Page 8

THE ROYAL NAVY

PART IN OPERATIONS CAREERS OF COMMANDERS KNOWLEDGE AND ENERGY 'United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 30 In view of the Italian attack upon Greece, naval operations are likely to assume major importance. With Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham as Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet, the conduct of operations is in good, hands. Sir Andrew Cunningham is a man of wide knowledge and is possessed of fierce energy, the power of quick decision and infinite resource. He holds what is probably a record in the service, as from 1911 until 1914 he was in continuous command of one ship—the destroyer Scorpion. In the last war Sir Andrew Cunningham distinguished himself in the Gallipoli campaign, and after the evacuation he commanded a small detached force in the Aegean. After various appointments, he became admiral commanding destroyers in the Mediterranean, and in 1938, vice-admiral commanding battlecruiser squadrons, becoming Com-mander-in-Chief about a year later. Vice-Admiral Tovey is another destroyer officer. He greatly distinguished himself at Jutland, when commanding the Onslow, and this ship was referred to in a despatch by the rear-admiral commanding the light cruiser squadron in the battle. “I should like.” the rear-admiral reported. “to bring to your attention the action of a destroyer—name unknown—which passed close in a disabled condition soon after 6 p.m. She was hardly able to struggle ahead again, but made straight for Derfflinger (a German battle-cruiser) to attack her. The incident appeared so courageous that it seems desirable to investigate it further.” The destroyer was the Onslow. Attack on Rhodes Island It is learned, says a message from Athens, that British naval forces made an onslaught on Rhodes Island, an Italian base in the Dodecanese, on m unspecified date. Three times they attacked the aerodrome at Maritza and destroyed a transport depot, hangars, offices and a dozen aircraft. They twice bombarded the aerodrome at Carpathos. The British also destroyed a coastal aerodrome, ammunition dumps, petrol stores, wireless equipment and barracks. Petrol dumps at Lepida aerodrome were damaged and flames were visible from Samos. Large numbers of Italian troops were killed. German Story The German radio stated that before the Italians went into action Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet, made all arrangements and sent an expedition from Egypt to Greece. British aeroplanes, artillery and anti-aircraft guns were concentrated at Alexandria and the Suez Canal in readiness to embark. The German spokesman described the Italian invasion of Greece as “just another aspect of the Axis policy.” Von Papen, German Ambassador to Turkey, has gone to Germany. LONDON CHILDREN 563,000 EVACUATED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Nov. 1. 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 31 Five hundred and sixty-three thousand children had been evacuated from the London area to October 30, and 279,000 remain. BOMBING BY JAPANESE ATTACK BY NAVAL PLANES MILITARY CENTRES DESTROYED 'United Press Assn.— dec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Nov. 1, 3.15 p.m.) TOKIO, Oct. 31 The Domei news agency reports that Japanese naval planes bombed Shuitung and destroyed military establishments, oil tanks and over thirty warehouses.