ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND NAVAL BOARD FOR THE PERIOD 1st APRIL, 1945, TO 31st MARCH, 1946

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1946 Session I, H-05

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1946 NEW ZEALAND

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND NAVAL BOARD FOR THE PERIOD 1st APRIL, 1945, TO 31st MARCH, 1946

Navy Office, Wellington C. 1, 11th July, 1946. The Hon. the Minister or Defence Sir, — We have the honour to address to you the following report on the Royal New Zealand Navy and proceedings on the New Zealand Station during the year Ist April, 1945, to 31st March, 1946. CONTENTS Section. page 1. State and Administration .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 11. Proceedings of Cruisers of the Royal New Zealand Navy .. .. .. 2 111. H.M.N.Z. Anti-submarine and Mine-sweeping Vessels .. .. .. 4 IY. Visits of British and Allied Ships .. .. .. .. .. 6 V. H.M.N.Z.S. " Philomel" " .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 VI. Other Naval Activities .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 VII. Personnel: Continuous-service Ratings .. .. .. .. .. 10 VIII. Personnel: " War only " Personnel .. .. .. .. .. 11 IX. Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service .. .. .. .. 12 X. Personnel: Officers .. . . .. .. .. .. .. 12 XI. Personnel: General .. .. .. .. .. . . .. 17 XII. Civilian Staff and Dockyard Workmen .. .. .. .. .. 19 XIII. H.M.N.Z. Dockyard and Naval Base .. .. .. . . .. .. 20 XIV. Naval Armament Depots .. ... .. .. .. .. .. 21 XV. General Education Work in the Royal New Zealand Navy.. .. .. ..22 SECTION I.—STATE AND ADMINISTRATION The Navy Department is controlled by the New Zealand Naval Board, set up in terms of the Naval Defence Amendment Act, 1936. The New Zealand Naval Board consists of — (а) The Minister of Defence (as Chairman of the Board). (б) A Captain, Royal Navy, with the acting rank of Commodore (as First Naval Member and Chief of Naval Staff). (c) A Commander, Royal Navy, with the acting rank of Captain (as Second Naval Member). (d) A Commander (S), Royal Navy, with the acting rank of Captain (S) (as Naval Secretary and Member). 2. The Naval Board implements its instructions through Navy Office, Wellington, which directs the administration, &c., of the Royal New Zealand Navy. 3. The staff of Navy Department prior to the outbreak of hostilities was comparatively small, but the organization was so devised that it was capable of expanding along the lines of its peacetime organization. Many new problems were faced, brought about by the very considerable increase in administrative responsibilities, but in every instance satisfactory solutions were found. All branches of the Department functioned efficiently and successfully and the staff at all times gave of their best in an ungrudging manner.

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4. On 13th July, 1945, Commodore G. H. Faulkner, D.S.C., assumed duties as First Naval Member of the New Zealand Naval Board and Chief of Naval Staff, in succession to Commodore Sir Atwell Lake, Bart., C.8., 0.8. E. 5. On Ist April, 1945, the Royal New Zealand Navy consisted of H.M.N.Z. ships " Achilles," " Gambia," " Arabis," " Arbutus," and H.M.N.Z. mine-sweepers and auxiliary craft. In addition, shore and training establishments were in operation, consisting of H.M.N.Z.S. " Philomel" and H.M.N.Z.S. " Tamaki" at Auckland; H.M.N.Z.S. " Cook " at Wellington ; H.M.N.Z.S. " Tasman " at Lyttelton ; Naval W/T Station, Waiouru ; and Navy Office, Dunedin. 6. Units of the Royal New Zealand Navy, comprising the 25th A/S M/S Flotilla and twelve Fairmile launches, continued to operate under the command of Commander, South Pacific Area, until July, 1945, when they were released and returned to Auckland under the control of the New Zealand Naval Board for refit and disposal, with the exception of H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus," which from June, 1945, until October, 1945, served under the control of the Commander-in-Chief, British Pacific Fleet. SECTION lI.—PROCEEDINGS OF CRUISERS OF THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY H.M.N.Z.S. " Gambia " In April, 1945, " Gambia " was replenishing in Leyte Gulf, where, on 28th, Captain R. A. B. Edwards, C.8.E., R.N., relieved Captain N. J. W. William-Powlett, D.S.C., R.N., in command. 2. On Ist May " Gambia " sailed with Task Force 57 to continue operations against Sakishima Gunto. On 4th, " Gambia," in company with H.M.S. " Swiftsure," carried out a simultaneous bombardment on Nobara Airfield with air co-operation for spotting. A very successful bombardment was reported. Air strikes were continued against Sakishima Gunto until 25th May, when, after fuelling, Task Force 57 set course for Manus. 3. From Ist to 4th June " Gambia " was on passage from Manus to Sydney, where she remained until 28th storing and replenishing, apart from two days at sea carrying out gunnery exercises. 4. On 28th June the Rear-Admiral commanding Fourth Cruiser Squadron, RearAdmiral E. J. P. Brind, C.8.E., and a skeleton staff embarked and " Gambia " proceeded in company with the British Pacific Fleet for Manus. Rear-Admiral Brind and staff were transferred to H.M.S. " Newfoundland " on 30th June. 5. After fuelling at Manus, " Gambia," forming part of Task Force 37.1, sailed on 6th July for the current operations against Japan. Air strikes were carried Out against Northern Honshu and Southern Honshu. 6. Rear-Admiral R. M. Servaes, C.8.E., commanding Second Cruiser Squadron, and two of his staff officers joined " Gambia " temporarily to gain experience of fleet operations in the combat area. " Gambia " later rejoined Task Force 37, and the whole force carried out more air strikes against Southern Honshu on 28th and 30th July. During the month of July, " Gambia " spent thirty days at sea and steamed 10,561 miles. 7. On 9th August " Gambia " was detached with Task UMt 37.1.8, under the control of the Rear-Admiral commanding Fourth Cruiser Squadron, to carry out a bombardment of Kamaishi. Reports suggested that the bombardment was most successful. During the retirement the force was attacked by a Japanese aircraft which was engaged by Gambia." This, as far as is known, was the last aircraft to be engaged by British Fleet gunfire during the war. It was ultimately reported as being brought down. 8. Further air strikes were carried out over Northern Honshu until, on 15th August, Commander Task Force made a signal, " Cease Hostilities against Japan."

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9. While the signal was still flying, Spitfires were overhead engaging a Japanese aircraft. The latter dropped a bomb which fell in the sea between H.M.S. " Indefatigable " and H.M.N.Z.S. " Gambia." The enemy aircraft was shot down by the Spitfires, a part of it falling on board " Gambia." No further enemy air attacks were made, but several " snoopers " were shot down by patrolling aircraft out of sight •of the Fleet, which retired to await events. 10. In the forenoon of 20th August a Royal Marine detachment under the command of Captain Blake, R.M., and two platoons of seamen with company headquarters under the command of Lieutenant-Commander Davis-Goff, R.N.Z.N., were disembarked from H.M.N.Z.S. " Gambia " into two United States destroyer transports in readiness to land in Tokyo Bay. They were reported to be the first ashore on Japanese soil. 11. On 23rd August the Fleet formed into Task Groups for entry into Sugami Wan. "" Gambia," in company with H.M. ships " King George V," " Newfoundland," " Napier," and " Nizam," formed Task Group 37. It was, however, not until 27th August that the ships entered Sugami Wan. Hands went to general quarters ready for any treacherous move on the part of the Japanese, and battle ensigns were flown, but the entry was without incident. Subsequently, the Commander-in-Chief, British Pacific Fleet, Admiral ■Sir Bruce Fraser, G.C.8., K.8.E., paid an informal visit to H.M.N.Z.S. " Gambia " and addressed the ship's company. 12. " Gambia " was in Tokyo Bay during the signing of the instrument of surrender, and remained there until 12th September, when she proceeded to Kii Suido, where she was employed until 19th assisting United States Forces with the embarkation of recovered Allied military personnel. While here a very severe typhoon was experienced. 13. On 11th October " Gambia " departed from Tokyo Bay for Manus and onward Touteing for Sydney and Auckland, where she arrived on 31st October. 14. On Bth February, 1946, " Gambia" reduced to one-fifth complement and Tecommissioned with steaming party. From this date she ceased to be attached to the British Pacific Fleet. 15. On 12th February " Gambia " departed from Auckland for Sydney and the United Kingdom for reversion to the Royal Navy. H.M.N.Z.S. " Achilles " 16. " Achilles " was in Sydney in April, 1945, carrying out gun trials and minor •exercises, and on 12th May proceeded to Manus to join Task Force 57, arriving on 20th May at Leyte, where she came under the orders of Rear-Admiral, Fleet Train, flying his flag in H.M.S. " Lothian." 17. On 24th May, and again on 25th, in company with the Fleet (Task Force 57) four strikes were made against Sakashima Gunto. There was no enemy action. 18. Later, " Achilles " formed part of Task Group 111.2 under the command of Rear-Admiral commanding Fourth Cruiser Squadron, which operated against Truk Atoll to neutralize air installations. 19. After fuelling and storing in Seeadler Harbour, " Achilles " proceeded as a unit of the British Pacific Fleet, now Task Force 37, of the United States Third Fleet under Admiral Halsey and took part in air strikes which were greatly hampered by adverse weather conditions. 20. Task Force 37 closed the Fleet Train on 31st July and refuelled, later proceeding in company with Task Force 38 for further strikes against Northern Honshu. Early strikes in the Sendai area achieved surprise, and that carried out on 9th August produced probably the best result of the whole series of these operations, nearly 200 aircraft being •destroyed or damaged on the ground by the British Pacific Fleet alone. In response, the enemy showed greater activity and aggressiveness.

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21. On 12th August Task Force 37 split into two groups, " Achilles " joining Task Group 37.3 under command of Vice-Admiral Sir Philip Yian, K.C.8., K.8.E., D.S.O. r which detached and shaped course for Manus to await instructions. 22. After fuelling, " Achilles " cleared Seeadler Harbour outwards for Sydney, where she arrived on 26th August, proceeding the next day with 22 officers and 145 ratings aspassengers and stores for Auckland, where she remained in dock until 18th September. 23. " Achilles " sailed for Manus on 22nd September, and after refuelling there proceeded to Guam, Tokyo Bay, and Yokohama. On the departure of H.M. ships- " Shropshire " and " Swiftsure " on 12th October, the Commanding Officer, H.M.N.Z.S, " Achilles," became senior British naval officer afloat at Yokohama. 24. On 19th November " Achilles " sailed for Nagasaki, where arrangements were made with the Port Director for parties —in all, some 700 officers and men —to be driven through the area devastated by the atomic bomb. 25. After visiting Sasebo, where some leave was given, " Achilles" sailed for Kagoshima, where recreation parties visited Hiroshima and Minami Dake, and then returned to Tokyo Bay, berthing off Yokohama on sth December, where she wa& inspected by Vice-Admiral E. J. P. Brind, C.8., C.8.E., prior to his departure in H.M.S, " Swiftsure." 26. After a short cruise to Nagoya, " Achilles " departed from Tokyo Bay on 19th January for Hong Kong. 27. " Achilles " departed from Hong Kong on 15th February for Subic Bay. On 19th she was diverted to Menado ; before arrival, however, a message was received stating that no British warship was to proceed to Menado. " Achilles " accordingly hauled off to seaward and subsequently proceeded to Morotai and later to Manus and Sydney, where she berthed on Bth March. 28. On 17th March " Achilles" arrived in New Zealand, where she is at present' undergoing a refit. SECTION lII.—H.M.N.Z. ANTI-SUBMARINE AND MINESWEEPING VESSELS 25th A/S M/S Flotilla With the closing of the operational period of the war, the 25th A/S M/S Flotilla from the beginning of April, 1945, to the end of March, 1946, has had a varied programme. 2. H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus," on completion of repairs and exercises at Auckland, was scheduled to join the 25th A/S M/S Flotilla in the forward area at the end of May, 1945, but the Commander, South Pacific, did not require her services and it was decided by the New Zealand Government to offer her for service with the British Pacific Fleet. This offer was welcomed by the Commander-in-Chief, British Pacific Fleet, and on 29th April, 1945, " Arbutus " sailed for Sydney, thence to the forward area, as a radio and radar maintenance vessel with the Fleet Train. Apart from this work, other duties —escorting and transferring of stores —were carried out proficiently often under difficult conditions, for which she received Commander-in-Chief's grateful appreciation. 3. After this period of service, " Arbutus " reverted to the control of the Royal New Zealand Navy, and arrived in Auckland on 6th October, 1945. From that date until 28th November she remained in Auckland, with the exception of one week commencing 18th November in which she carried out trials and practises in Hauraki Gulf. On 28th November " Arbutus " was placed at the disposal of a research party under the directorship of the Auckland Museum to work off the north-east coast of Auckland and in the vicinity of the Three Kings Islands until 9th December, when she returned to Auckland. From January, 1946, when she was converted to a minesweeper, to the present date, " Arbutus " has been operating in the Auckland area together with H.M.N.Z.S. " Tui " and " Kiwi " in the clearance of mines.

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4. H.M.N.Z.S. " Arabis " continued her service in the forward area under the control of Commander, South Pacific, until late June, being despatched from Funafuti to Russell Islands on patrol and escort duties. On 20th June, 1945, however, she was detached from the Pacific Fleet and returned to Auckland under the control of the Royal New Zealand Navy for duty, having completed a lengthy service with the United States Forces in the forward area. 5. On her return to Auckland she was required to proceed to Noumea to take over escort duties from H.M.N.Z.S. " Tui " for the return of the 80th M.L. Flotilla from the forward area to New Zealand. Two escort duties were carried out —the first on 6th July in company with " Tui" and six Fairmiles from Noumea to Auckland, calling at Norfolk Island for fuel. The second and similar duty was carried out departing from Auckland on 15th July, for Noumea, again with " Tui" in company, and returning to Auckland with the remaining six Fairmiles on 29th July. 6. With the return of " Arabis " and " Tui "to Auckland (" Kiwi" having returned to Lyttelton in May to refit), the 25th A/S M/S Flotilla concluded its service under Commander, South Pacific, who expressed his deep appreciation for the splendid service rendered by all ships. 7. On completion of refit these vessels were offered by the New Zealand Government for service with the British Pacific Fleet, but, however, were not required. As these vessels are intended to form part of New Zealand's post-war Navy, it was decided that " Kiwi " and " Tui" be employed in the mine-clearance operations in the Auckland area. " Arabis," not being fitted for minesweeping, carried out a brief " showing the flag " cruise of the South Island from 16th October, arriving back in Auckland on 21st November. On 29th November she sailed for Tonga to take part in the Centennial celebrations, and on arrival was placed at the disposal of Her Majesty the Queen. On return to Auckland, " Arabis " was converted to a minesweeper together with " Arbutus " and is at present operating with "Kiwi" and "Tui" on mine-clearance in the Hauraki Gulf. 80th M.L. Flotilla 8. Until July, 1945, the 80th M.L. Flotilla continued its excellent work in co-operation with the United States Forces under Commander, South Pacific, in the forward area. The duties themselves continued to be the same rather monotonous tasks of escorting, screening, and patrolling, which won appreciation for the manner in which they were carried out. 9. In July, however, the services of the Flotilla were found to be no longer required, and the Commander, South Pacific, requested that the Flotilla be returned to the control of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Accordingly, M.L.s 400, 402, 404, 408, 409, and 411, under escort of H.M.N.Z.S. " Tui," sailed from Guadalcanal for Noumea, arriving on 3rd July, 1945. On sth July, escorted by H.M.N.Z.S. " Arabis," who had arrived from Auckland for the purpose of escorting these vessels, the Flotilla sailed for Auckland, calling at Norfolk Island for fuel, and arrived on 12th July, 1945. The remaining M.L.s —namely, 401, 403, 405, 406, 407, and 410 —proceeded under escort of U.S.S.P.C. 1589 from Guadalcanal on 27th July to Noumea, where " Tui" and " Arabis " were waiting to escort them to Auckland. They arrived on 29th July, 1945. 10. On completion of leave and refit, the Flotilla was dispersed and paid off for disposal. A/S M/S Vessels in New Zealand Waters 11. As in the previous year, the A/S M/S vessels working in New Zealand waters continued their duties of harbour patrol and minesweeping—the latter mainly in the Auckland area. With the cessation of hostilities, however, the majority of these craft were gradually paid off, leaving only the vessels engaged in the Auckland mine-clearance.

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12. Units of the British Pacific Fleet have visited New Zealand waters at various intervals and required the services of our local craft for exercises. The visit of the British submarine, H.M.S. " Vox," in August, 1945, resulted in H.M.N.Z. ships " Killegray " and " Hautapu " being utilized in anti-submarine exercises and escort duties in Auckland and Wellington respectively. On the departure of the " Vox," H.M.N.Z.S. " Aroha" acted as escort to Sydney. 13. When the aircraft carrier, H.M.S. " Indefatigable," with destroyers " Wizard " and " Urchin " in company, visited Wellington for exercises in the Marlborough Sounds,. H.M.N.Z.S. " Maimai " served as a store supply vessel. " Maimai " has also been used as a supply vessel to the various lighthouses in the Wellington area, and will shortly be engaged in lifting loop and mine cables, similar to the duties carried out in the Auckland area by " Vesper " and " Muritai." 14. "Hautapu" in the near future is to be loaned to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to operate as a radar research vessel for the project known as the- " Canterbury project," and is at present being refitted for that purpose. 15. With the exception of " Hautapu" and the Castle-type trawlers who are engaged in the Auckland mine-clearance with the 25th A/S M/S Flotilla, all other vessels to the present date have been paid off. SECTION IV.—VISITS OF BRITISH AND ALLIED SHIPS New Zealand ports have experienced many visits from British and Allied warships: from April, 1945, to the present date. With the British Pacific Fleet Headquarters in Australia, and owing to the tremendous task of refitting and repairing of the Fleet, it was decided that Auckland would be used as a refitting base for vessels unable to be refitted in Australia and the forward areas. 2. The sloop, H.M.S. " Redpole," arrived in Auckland on 11th April for refit r while in May and June one cruiser and three destroyers, H.M.S. " Newfoundland," H.M.S. " Wager," H.M.S. " Whirlwind," and H.M.S. " Wakeful" respectively, were repaired and sailed for Australia, thence to the forward area. 3. In July, 1945, the British A/S training submarine H.M.S. " Vox," who had been on patrol duty with the British Pacific Fleet, sailed for Auckland and Wellington escorted by the minesweeper H.M.A.S. " Lismore " of the Royal Australian Navy for exercises with local vessels. These were carried out effectively with H.M.N.Z. ships " Killegray " and " Hautapu." " Vox " sailed for return to Sydney on 19th August, 1945. Also on that date another destroyer, H.M.S. " Undaunted," sailed for Auckland to refit, arriving there on 22nd August. She remained in Auckland until late October. 4. The month of November was notable in that five vessels of the British Pacific Fleet visited various ports to " show the flag." The most outstanding of these was that of the aircraft carrier, H.M.S. " Indefatigable," wearing the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir Philip Vian, K.C.8., K.8.E., D.5.0., with the destroyers H.M.S. " Wizard " and " Urchin " in company. After a week in Wellington, these vessels sailed for Picton for three days' exercises in the Marlborough Sounds, and on 12th December sailed for Auckland, leaving finally for Sydney on 18th December. 5. A " showing the flag" visit in November was carried out by the cruiser,. H.M.S. " Newfoundland," from Ist to 11th November, calling at Bluff, Dunedin, Lyttelton, and Wellington. The destroyer, H.M.S. " Barfleur," also visited Nelson on 18th to 29th November, when she sailed for Auckland to refit, returning to Sydney on 28th January, 1946.

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6. In January, February, and March, 1946, the cruiser, H.M.S. " Swiftsure," and two sloops, H.M.S. " Amethyst" and H.M.S. " Alacrity," sailed for Auckland to refit; and in March the light aircraft carrier, H.M.S. " Glory," arrived in Auckland for the purpose of transporting planes to Japan. 7. The " showing of the flag " visit from the cruiser, H.M.S. " Belfast," at Dunedin, Wellington, and Napier in early March concluded the visits from units of the British Pacific Fleet to New Zealand for the year ending 31st March. 8. The gradual movement of the United States Fleet farther north resulted in a smaller proportion of visits from United States ships. The U.S.S. " Vincennes," however, paid her first visit to New Zealand in November, arriving at Auckland on 11th November and sailing from Wellington on 26th November. She returned again on sth February, 1946, to Wellington and Auckland on a Good-will visit, and finally sailed from New Zealand for the United States a week later. SECTION V.—H.M.N.Z.S. " PHILOMEL " Change of Command Consequent on the cessation of hostilities and a reduction in naval activities in the Auckland District, Commodore W. K. D. Dowding, D.S.C., was relieved for reversion to the Royal Navy, and Captain D. A. Bingley, 0.8. E., R.N., combined the duties of Naval Officer in Charge, Auckland, and Captain Superintendent of the Dockyard. It was then necessary to transfer the naval staff from Mechanics Bay to offices in the Naval Base. This change took effect on 7th January, 1946. Closing of Out-stations 2. The following out-stations in the Auckland District were closed down on the cessation of hostilities : Naval transit camp. Purewa W/T Station. Port-war signal station and Cape Brett Signal Station. All radar stations. Welfare and General Amenities 3. The chapel, gymnasium, recreation-rooms, and canteens were all used extensively throughout the year, and the facilities available for ratings who spend their leisure in the Base have proved to be popular. Sport 4. Facilities have been provided for all major outdoor sporting activities. Teams from the Base have performed creditably in competition games. Maintenance of Buildings 5. The general appearance of the Base is satisfactory, but the main buildings are in need of painting. Approval has been obtained to proceed with the painting of both interior and exterior woodwork as soon as labour is available. Training 6. Training of stoker, W/T, V/S, and gunnery ratings has proceeded steadily throughout the year, the number of failures in qualifying examinations being very low.

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Medical and Dental 7. The general health of the ship's company has been satisfactory for the year. An epidemic of measles was experienced, but the number of naval personnel affected (ten) was less than might have been expected. With the cessation of hostilities, the number of recruiting examinations showed a marked decrease. The dental department has been working to full capacity during the past year, as, in addition to the Base staff, considerable work was carried out on personnel from visiting ships. Discipline 8. The general conduct of naval personnel in the district has been satisfactory. SECTION VI.—OTHER NAVAL ACTIVITIES Auckland H.M.N.Z.S. " Tamaki."—A total of 552 recruits have entered " Tamaki" since Ist April, 1945. At present a total of 78 ratings are under training or awaiting draft to H.M.N.Z.S. " Achilles." 2. Suitable equipment for training has always been in short supply, but with the conclusion of hostilities it is hoped that the position will improve. 3. A good standard of messing has been maintained, whilst the health of the ship's company and men under training has been satisfactory. 4. Extended Defence Organization.—The Examination Service was closed down on the cessation of hostilities. 5. All A/S patrols were cancelled following the cessation of hostilities, while all A/S stations were reduced to care and maintenance. 6. Clearance of the German minefield laid by surface raider in the Hauraki Gulf has continued and is now well in hand. So far no mines have been encountered. Two British and three German mines were disposed of during the year. 7. The annual test of the defences was held on 6th to Bth April, 1945, together with a test of the Examination Service. 8. During July five days' concentrated exercises for all A/S vessels were carried out with H.M. submarine "Vox." 9. Naval Control Service.—A summary of the shipping handled by the Naval Control Service Officer, Auckland, up to and including 18th March, 1946, is as follows : (i) British merchant and United States merchant controlled vessels routed : 416. (ii) U.S.S. naval auxiliaries routed and operated : 96. 10. Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships. —Technical officers and staffs have examined, tested, and adjusted the various equipments, including guns, gun mountings, radar, M.A.8., asdic, telephones, &c. Repairs, alterations, and modifications have been carried out to armament and fittings. Supply, replacement, and exchange of naval and armament stores have been made as required. The disarmament of both overseas and New Zealand register ships has proceeded satisfactorily since the cessation of hostilities. Wellington 11. H.M.N.Z.S. " Cook."—This establishment continued to maintain a high standard of servicing to ships based on the port, and after the cessation of hostilities and the departure of ships, personnel were gradually reduced in all branches. Since November, 1945, the numbers borne have been sufficient for care and maintenance parties and demobilization duties only. 12. Boom Defences. —The anti-torpedo net around the dock was lifted in September, 1945. All nets and gear have been declared surplus for disposal. 13. " Janie Seddon."—This vessel has been in use as a liberty boat and as a boardingvessel to take reception officials to all ineoming / transports.

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14. Radar Stations. —All radar stations were closed by October, 1945. All sets were dismantled and returned to store, while the buildings were declared surplus. 15. Defensively Armed Merchant Ships.—Training, inspection, and maintenance was continued until August, 1945. Since the cessation of hostilities, thirty-two ships have been disarmed and all guns returned to the Armament Supply Officer, Auckland. 16. Degaussing Range.—This range ceased operations on 31st December, 1945, and is to be lifted in conjunction with the loop-lifting operations. 17. Naval Electrical School, Petone. —This school ceased operations in October, 1945, and all equipment was dismantled and returned to the store. The buildings have been declared surplus. 18. Naval Control Service. —The routeing of all overseas vessels leaving Wellington was continued up to 31st December, 1945. The routeing of all vessels in the Pacific area lapsed as from Ist January, 1946, from which date hydrographic information has been supplied by hydropac messages broadcast by W/T. The closing of Naval Control Services in many other ports has increased the amount of work which has to be cleared up on arrival of ships in Wellington. Boarding of vessels, supplying of confidential books, compass adjustments, clearances, and fuel permits were dealt with efficiently by the staff. 19. Naval W/T Station, Waiouru. —From the date of its commencement of operation in August, 1943, until the cessation of hostilities the Naval W/T Station at Waiouru handled the following approximate numbers of groups : out, 9,486,000 ; in, 7,905,000. A high-powered broadcast of important administrative traffic to the British Pacific Fleet was arranged at very short notice in June, 1945, and operated until after the arrival of "J " Force, when it finally closed down. Ships of the British Pacific Fleet, reported good reception strength at all times when off the Japanese coast (at a distance of 6,000 miles from Waiouru). During the period of Japan's capitulation, Waiouru became the direct W/T link between Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser in H.M.S. " Duke of York " and Admiralty and handled with precision most of the high-priority secret signal traffic in connection with the signing of the surrender terms, as well as a considerable quantity on the same subject from Admiral the Lord Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander, South-east Asia. Lyttelton 20. Port-war Signal Station. —This station was closed down shortly after YJ Day, while requirements for the examination battery ceased at the same time. 21. Naval Wireless Station. —Operation has now been reduced to maintaining a limited routine for signal messages from Waiouru and supplying the inter-Island steamer express vessels with their positions as supplied by the Army radar unit. 22. No. 4 Wharf. —All activities at No. 4 Wharf have now ceased, the A/S workshop, electrical workshop, and naval stores having closed down. 23. Naval Store, Ashburton. —The naval stores at Ashburton are in the process of being forwarded to Auckland as shipping-space occurs. 24. Navy Office, Lyttelton.—Navy Office, which was situated in Norwich Quay, has been closed down and all activities have been removed to H.M.N.Z.S. " Tasman." 25. H.M.N.Z.S. " Tasman."-—Tasman " has been used as a signal and cookery training establishment until recently, but is now reduced to a demobilization centre for South Island personnel, pending its conversion to a Torpedo, A/S, and Signal Training School. Dunedin 26. Post-war Signal Station, Taiaroa Heads.—This station has been closed down and the buildings have been returned to the Otago Harbour Board.

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27. Ship-building. —The first vessel built for the United States authorities, Y.F. 1050 r sailed from the port on 24th May, 1945. A Second vessel, " Avon," was launched on 4th October, 1945, but has not been commissioned, and is at present lying at Port Chalmers. 28. Naval Control Service.—A total of eighty-four overseas vessels visited the portduring the year. Ships bound for overseas ports were routed by the Naval Control Service Officer, Lyttelton, and routeing instructions passed to masters by the Resident Naval Officer, Dunedin. 29. Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships.—Forty-six overseas ships and all coastal ships with armament were inspected. Stores were supplied and general maintenance work carried out. Several ships were disarmed, the armament being returned to the Armament Supply Officer, Auckland. SECTION VII.—PERSONNEL : CONTINUOUS-SERVICE RATINGS There are at present 1,024 ratings serving on continuous-service engagements in the Royal New Zealand Navy. During the period under review several steps have been taken in an endeavour to build up the inadequate numbers of ratings serving on a permanent basis. One of these measures has been the offer to " war only " personnel of the opportunity of transferring to continuous- or short-service engagements. This scheme has met with only moderate success, only 47 volunteers having so far been forthcoming. 2. The second measure has been to reduce the duration of initial engagement from twelve to six years. A careful analysis of the recruiting situation over the war years has brought to light the fact that New-Zealanders are loath to enter a service where they are obliged to serve for so long a period as twelve years, and it is considered that there is little doubt that the reduction in.the engagement will bring forth a greater flow of recruits. 3. This step will also permit an increase in the annual recruiting quota, which will make good deficiencies in a shorter time than would be possible under the twelve-year engagement. 4. Another measure in view, for the elimination of manning deficiencies, is the institution of a scheme whereby discharged personnel will be permitted to re-enter the naval service for periods of two or more years. This scheme will be given a trial in the near future. 5. The following have been entered on continuous-service (twelve years) and shortservice (six years) engagements during the period Ist April, 1945, to 31st March, 1946 :

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/ Rating. Continuous Short Service. Service. Seamen 1 72 38 Telegraphists 9 Stokers 20 Engine-room artificers 5 Blacksmiths 1 Writers 4 Store assistants 5 Sick-berth attendants 3 Cooks 8 Stewards 2

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SECTION VIII. —PERSONNEL : " WAR ONLY " PERSONNEL On the Ist April, 1945, the following " war only " personnel were serving in the Royal New Zealand Navy: —

2. The entry of " war only " personnel was continued during the year until VJ Day (15th August, 1945), when recruiting on this basis was terminated. The following were entered during the period Ist April to the 15th August, 1945 : Seamen .. .. .. .. .. 116 Coder .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Stokers .. .. .. .. 50 E.R.A.'s .. .. .. .. .. 15 Shipwrights .. .. .. .. .. 1 Radio mechanics .. .. .. 29 Motor mechanics .. .. .. .. 9 Writers .. .. .. .. .. 2 Stores assistants .. .. .. .. 2 Sick-berth attendants .. .. .. .. 4 Stewards .. .. .. .. .. 3 Naval airmen, 2nd class .. .. .. .. 62 294 3. In July, 1945, with the realization that many " war only " personnel had served for long periods, the Naval Board instituted a scheme for partial demobilization. Under this scheme officers and ratings were classified for discharge purposes and were granted either absolute or relative priority for release. Absolute priority was granted to personnel over forty-one years of age, to those with four or more children, and to those with strong compassionate grounds for release. The order of release of personnel not granted absolute priority was dependent upon length of service, marital status, and number of children. Release of those in this category proceeded in accordance with clearly defined rules, and their relative priority for demobilization was assessed by means of points, the officer and rating with the greatest number of points being afforded the highest relative priority. For purposes of demobilization, points were awarded on the following basis Points . (1) Marriage .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 (2) For each child in respect of whom allowances were payable .. 8 (3) For each month of fully mobilized overseas service .. .. 3 (4) For each month of fully mobilized home service .. .. 1 The scheme was4n operation for only a month prior to the unconditional surrender of Japan. As from the 15th August, 1945, partial demobilization merged into general demobilization and the points system was retained. The number of releases effected during the year appear under section XI.

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Class. Officers. Ratings. Total. R.N.Z.N.V.R. and R.N.Z.N.R. 1,652 ' 712 2,364 T. 124 and variant agreements .. 21 43 64 Hostilities only 5,809 5,809 1,673 6,564 8,237

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SECTION IX.—WOMEN'S ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVAL SERVICE • Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service numbers rose to 518 ratings in July, 1945, with 20 officers in August, 1945. Owing to demobilization and discharges for marriage and compassionate grounds, the strength of the Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service as at 31st March, 1946, was 12 officers and 297 ratings, and as W.R.N.Z.N.S. personnel are in the process of being totally demobilized, no entries were approved after VE Day. 2. Members of the Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service have been mostly employed on demobilization work in Navy Office and establishments as they became available from duties no longer required after the cessation of hostilities. Thus the main category now needed is that of writer, with cooks and stewards and communications branch forming the balance. 3. In response to a questionnaire to Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service personnel asking for volunteers to serve a further period of six months, 38 per cent, expressed themselves willing to continue in the service, but marriage and compassionate releases have since somewhat reduced that figure. SECTION X.—PERSONNEL : OFFICERS With the termination of active hostilities it is now possible to review the numbers of officers who have served with the Royal New Zealand Navy from the outbreak of war to the present time. Royal New Zealand Navy : Permanent Officers (a) Prior to the outbreak of hostilities there were 82 officers serving on the active list of the Royal New Zealand Navy, 74 of these being loan Royal Navy officers mostly serving in H.M.N.Z. ships " Achilles " and " Leander," and the remaining 8 being permanent Royal New Zealand Navy : 1 Chaplain, 1 Supply Branch Officer, and 6 officers of warrant rank (Executive, Communication, Engineer, Electrical, and Schoolmaster Branches). Early in the war the Government gave approval for the inauguration of a scheme for the direct entry of commissioned officers in the Executive, Engineer, and Supply and Secretariat Branches, which, on a long-term plan of approximately three Cadetships annually, would eventually man the Royal New Zealand Navy with New Zealand officers. Commencing in 1940 with the entry of 1 Cadet (Executive Branch) and 2 Sub-Lieutenants (Supply Branch), up to 31st March, 1946, 21 officers have been entered under this scheme : 12 Executive Branch Cadets, 5 Engineering Branch Cadets, 1 Supply and Secretariat Branch Cadet, and 3 Sub-Lieutenants (Supply and Secretariat Branch) (3 of these Cadets were entered in year ended 31st March, 1946). One Cadet (Executive Branch) and one Sub-Lieutenant (S) have been killed in action, leaving 19 direct-entry officers still serving. With these are 7 commissioned officers who originally entered the Naval Service as ratings, 6 warrant officers, 2 Chaplains, and 2 Schoolmasters, also 2 Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve officers have transferred to short-service commissions in the Royal New Zealand Navy, making a total of 38 permanent Royal New Zealand Navy officers as at 31st March, 1946. During the war 1 officer was promoted from the lower deck to a permanent executive commission, and 9 ratings were promoted to permanent warrant rank, 3 of whom subsequently achieved commissioned status in the Supply and Secretariat Branch. One Medical Officer was entered for a short-service commission in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Royal New Zealand Navy : Temporary Officers (b) Early in 1941 a scheme was introduced for the grant of temporary warrant rank to ratings who had had long service and who were nearing the end of their engagements. Thirty-eight warrant officers have been so promoted, 1 of whom has since attained

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temporary commissioned rank. Five officers have been entered direct with temporary commissions and warrants, and 2 New Zealand officers serving with temporary commissions and warrants in the Royal Navy have been transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy. At the 31st March, 1946, there were 30 temporary warrant officers serving and 2 officers holding temporary commissions. Royal New Zealand Naval Reserve (c) At the outbreak of war, steps were taken to fully mobilize the permanent Royal New Zealand Naval Reserve, and 12 officers were serving on Ist June, 1940. Men with Merchant Navy qualifications were granted temporary commissions in the Royal New Zealand Naval Reserve, and after the collapse of Germany (Ist June, 1945) there were 45 of these officers. At that time there were 19 officers serving in the Royal New Zealand Naval Reserve under T. 124 and variant agreements —i.e., for restricted service. However, the peak period for T. 124 officers was on Ist June, 1942, when there were 69 officers in this category. Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve : Permanent Officers (d) The outbreak of hostilities found 69 permanent Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve officers on the lists of the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago Divisions who had been trained for such an emergency. All these officers, together with officers on the Supernumerary and Retired Lists, volunteered immediately for service. However, the state of the Royal New Zealand Navy permitted only a small number of these* officers to be utilized straight away. The services of the remainder were therefore offered to the Admiralty, who availed themselves of the offer as soon as the state of the Fleet permitted, and on the Ist May, 1940, the first draft of permanent Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve officers sailed from New Zealand in H.M.T. " Acquitania " with the Second Echelon, Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. On Ist June, 1940 —i.e., after nine months of war—all the permanent officers were mobilized, 68 serving at that time. During the earlier stages of the war, 17 permanent Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve ratings were promoted to commissioned rank in the permanent Reserve. In addition, throughout the war, 34 permanent Reserve ratings were promoted to temporary commissioned rank in the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve. One of these officers serving in command of a flotilla of coastal force craft achieved an almost unparalleled record. He was the recipient of six awards for the part he played in operations against the enemy. On VE Day there were 79 permanent Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve officers serving. The part played by the permanent Royal New Zealand Naval Reserve and Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve officers and permanent Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve ratings in New Zealand's naval war effort has. been an extremely valuable one. Giving up their leisure in times of peace to study of and training in seamanship, minesweeping, gunnery, communications, &c., they were, by virtue of this training, able immediately to fill posts in the sea-going units and shore establishments at the outbreak of war. It was thus possible to bring our cruisers up to war complement, and man an armed merchant cruiser and all the minesweeping vessels and patrol craft efficiently and expeditiously. The retention of over half of the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve Officers in New Zealand and the Pacific has reacted to their personal disadvantage, inasmuch as it was possible to send temporary officers (who joined the Service after them) to the European theatre of operations, this being ardently desired by, yet denied, the permanent officers, whom it was necessary to retain in New

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Zealand and the Pacific in H.M.N.Z. ships. The foregoing applies in the main to officers of the Executive Branch, but no less valuable were the trained Medical and SupplyBranch officers of the peacetime Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve. Decorations awarded to Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve officers are : D.5.0., 2 ; Bar to D.5.0., 1 ; 0.8. E., 1 ; M.8.E., 2 ; D.S.C., 9 ; Bar to D.S.C., 3 ; Mention in Despatches, 10 ; United States Navy Cross, 2. They cover English Channel and North Russian convoys, operations in Diego Suarez and Sicily, Kolombangara Gulf, destruction of a Japanese submarine in the Pacific, and minesweeping in the Mediterranean and Adriatic. Temporary Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve Officers (e) By far the greatest numerical contribution to the Royal Navy has been the officers granted temporary commissions in the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve for the duration of hostilities. The greater number of these were ratings entered specially for service on loan in the Royal Navy and with a view to early promotion to commissioned rank. They were entered under five different categories : (i) Scheme "A " : Men with, yachtmasters' or higher Merchant Navy qualifications granted temporary commissions in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in the first instance, and later transferred to Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve as from date of entry. There were 33 officers in the Executive Branch of the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve in this category, all entered direct as Probationary Temporary Sub-Lieutenants. Five of these officers with Merchant Navy qualifications were later transferred to temporary commissions in the Royal New Zealand Naval Reserve {Executive Branch). The first batch left New Zealand for the United Kingdom on 9th August, 1940, the last batch on 18th December, 1940. The greater number commanded auxiliary vessels such as corvettes and minesweepers in the Royal Navy, whilst one officer commanded coastal force craft in the English Channel. Six were awarded Distinguished Service Crosses. (ii) Scheme "B" : Men entered as ordinary seaman who were candidates for temporary commissioned rank in the Executive Branch of the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve. On 9th August, 1940, the first draft of ordinary seamen under Scheme " B " left New Zealand, and since that date up to VE Day a continuous stream has left these shores. On Ist June, 1945—that is, shortly after VE Day—when the Royal New Zealand Navy was at its greatest expansion as regards personnel, there were 710 officers who left New Zealand under this scheme (3 Acting-Lieutenant-Commanders, 276 Lieutenants, 273 Sub-Lieutenants, 89 Acting-Sub-Lieutenants, and 69 Special Branch officers). They have served in every sphere of operations, in all types of ships from battleships and Fleet carriers down to motor gun-boats and midget submarines. They were also found in various Royal Navy shore establishments throughout the world. Scheme "B " officers'awards were : D.5.0., 1 ; D.S.C., 24 ; Bar to D.S.C., 1 ; Mention in Despatches, 49 ; and Croix de Guerre, 2. Indicative of their übiquitous service, these awards were gained in operations in Atlantic, Channel, North Russia, and Malta convoys; landings in North Africa ; attacks on Sicily and Salerno ; Gulf of Venice ; in the Aegean and Adriatic ; in the Gulf of Corinth ; Greek islands ; various operations in the Mediterranean; Normandy and South of France invasions ; destruction of the enemy "U " boats in the Atlantic, enemy light forces in the Channel, enemy destroyers ; for minelaying; and sinking a Japanese cruiser in Johore Straits. (iii) Scheme "F " : Men entered as naval airmen with a view to qualification as Pilot or Observer in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy with temporary commissions in the Air Branch of the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve.

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It was on the 12th July, 1940, that the first batch of 20 naval airmen sailed from New Zealand in s.s. " Rangitane " for England, and so commenced New Zealand's outstanding naval contribution from a personnel viewpoint. Nine hundred and fortynine were to follow those pioneers, who came from all callings, who had never before been in the air, yet to whom, as a means of answering the country's call, the combination of sea and air warfare, as in the Fleet Air Arm, had an irresistible appeal. One hundred and fifty-one of those men will not return ; accidently killed, 82 ; missing, presumed killed, 57 ; killed in action, 3 ; executed by Japanese, 2 ; died of wounds, 3 ; missing, 4. In all, 738 achieved commissioned rank in the Air Branch of the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve —this includes 88 officers and airmen of the Royal New Zealand Air Force transferred to the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve early in 1945. Three hundred and nineteen naval airmen did not attain status of officer —a number because the standards of training or medical fitness were so high, but mostly because of termination of training on the capitulation of Japan. Actually serving in the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve Air branch at the peak period of October, 1945, were 587 officers (predominantly pilots) : 20 Lieutenant-Commanders (A); 235 Lieutenants (A) ; 240 Sub-Lieutenants (A) ; and 92 Acting-Sub-Lieutenants (A). This represents, as stated by Vice-Admiral Sir Philip .Vian, nearly 10 per cent of the Fleet Air Arm. Actually, the percentage was higher than that earlier in the war. It is a contribution to the Air Arm of the Royal Navy of which New Zealand may justifiably feel proud. As early as 1942 the Admiralty stated that the supply of so many •officers was a remarkable effort considering the small population of New Zealand and her commitments elsewhere. Excepting 120 officers who received their training and were granted their commissions in the United States of America, the Air Branch officers were trained in England and Canada and received their commissions in England. In all parts of the world where there has been Royal Naval Air Stations and H.M. aircraft ■carriers there have been New Zealand Fleet Air Arm officers. Some of the operations in which New Zealand Air Arm. officers took part show this diversity : attacks on German supply traffic off the Norwegian coast; attacks on enemy shipping and aerodromes in the Mediterranean ; Atlantic convoys ; air strikes on the " Tirpitz " in Norway ; air targets in Japan ; attacks on Palembang, Sumatra ; air strikes on Kilbotn, Norway; Malta convoys ; Nicobar Islands ; operations from Malta ; Pacific fighter sweeps over Japanese-held islands ; North Russian convoys ; D Day ; Invasion of south of France ; bombardment of Sabang and Medan ; strafing of Sakishima Gunto and Formosa ; .surrender of Diego Suarez ; landings on Madagascar and Salerno ; operations in the Aegean Sea for the relief of Greece; operations with Coastal Command; operations in the Western Desert; operations off the Algerian coast; and destruction of enemy aircraft in all theatres, the number of which is not available, not having been communicated. For their part in these operations they gained 1 D.5.0., 39 D.S.C.'s, 2 Bars to D.S.C., 1 D.F.C., 2 M.B.E.'s, 46 Mention in Despatches, and 2 Letters of Commendation. In a message of farewell to the New Zealand pilots from the Pacific Fleet, Vice-Admiral Sir Philip Vian, Flag Officer Commanding Aircraft Carriers, assured the Naval Board of the great part played by the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve pilots (they were in every aircraft carrier) in the British carrier operations against Japan. He said, "I consider the pilots from New Zealand second to none, and to have ever excelled in the offensive spirit." Their " offensive spirit " had also been commented on in the Western Hemisphere. (iv) Scheme " Y": Men with yachting experience or qualifications granted temporary commissions in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve for service in Malaya. They were later transferred to the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve as from date of entry.'

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Thirty-two officers were entered direct as Probationary Temporary Sub-Lieutenants under this scheme, in three batches ; on 29th April, 1940, 25th October, 1940, and 29th April, 1941. They were under the jurisdiction of the Rear-Admiral, Malaya, and were stationed in Malayan waters, and as far north as Hongkong. On the fall of Singapore, all but 12 of these officers were reported as missing, and the fate of the officers wasclarified only on the entry into Malaya in 1945. Fourteen officers are dead, and 6 were found to be prisoners of war. Of the 32 officers, 3 were Acting-Lieutenant-Commanders, 28 Lieutenants, and 1 Sub-Lieutenant. Awards were 1 0.8. E., 2 D.S.C.'s, and 1 Mention in Despatches (Posthumous). (v) Transfers : New Zealand officers serving in the Royal Navy who entered the Naval Service in the United Kingdom and who were subsequently transferred on application to the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve as from date of entry. On the outbreak of war there were a number of New Zealand men employed in the United Kingdom and elsewhere who entered Royal Naval Service. Government approval was given for these officers, on application, to be transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Naval Reserve, or Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve, as applicable, with effect from date of entry into Royal Navy Service. Fiftythree officers were so transferred ; 2to the Royal New Zealand Navy; Bto the Royal New Zealand Naval Reserve, and 43 to the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve. 2. In the pre-war Royal New Zealand Navy there were only 8 New Zealand officers, the total of 82 officers required then being made up by the loan of 74 officers from the Royal Navy. The figures below show the growth of the employment of New Zealand officers—permanent Royal New Zealand Navy and each type of Reserve. The first column shows after nine months of war; the second column at the peak of expansion, shortly after the collapse of Germany ; and the third column, personnel serving at 31st March, 1946, shows the effect of demobilization. The actual officer strength of the Royal New Zealand Navy on Ist June, 1945, was 1,916, there being 69 Royal Navy officers on loan, and 9 Royal Navy retired officers mobilized in New Zealand. 3. The manning of the post-war Royal New Zealand Navy has been under consideration. In addition to direct-entry officers (Cadetships) and promotions from the lower deck, which will continue, a scheme has been inaugurated for the transfer of a few .senior Reserve officers to short-service commissions, and for the transfer of a limited number of junior Reserve officers to permanent commissions in the Royal New Zealand Navy, thus keeping the loan of officers from the Royal Navy to the barest minimum consistent with the present state of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

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Officers. At 1st June, 1940. At 1st June, 1945. At 31st March, 1946. Permanent R.N.Z.N. Temporary R.N.Z.N. Permanent R.N.Z.N.R. Temporary R.N.Z.N.R. Serving under T. 124 agreements Permanent R.N.Z.N.Y.R. Temporary R.N.Z.N.Y.R. 12 1 12 4 19 68 10 32 35 10 45 19 79 1,618 38 32 6 15 9 45 464 Totals 126 1,838 609

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The state of demobilization is shown by the following table of officers discharged from the service from the outbreak of war on 3rd September, 1939, up to 31st March, 1946

From the above figures, 2,345 New Zealand officers have served in the Royal New Zealand Navy during the war. SECTION XI.—PERSONNEL : GENERAL The total strength of the Royal New Zealand Navy is at present: — Officers — Loan from Royal Navy .. .. .. .. 53 New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. 609 662 Ratings— Loan from Royal Navy .. ... .. .. 337 New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. 3,233 3,570 W.R.N.Z.N.S. — Officers .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 Ratings .. .. .. .. .. .. 285 297 4,529 2. Although the above figures are a true indication of the personnel borne on pay, they, of course, include a large number of officers and ratings who have actually commenced release leave. It is estimated that of the figure of 4,529, 1,093 represents personnel discharged from active service but still borne on pay in respect of leave due on discharge. Releases effected during the year may therefore be summarized as follows : Numbers borne, Ist April, 1945 .. .. .. 10,411 Entered during year .. .. .. .. .. 461 10,872 Numbers borne, 31st March, 1946 .. .. 4,029 Less numbers on release leave .. .. 1,093 3,436 7,436 2—H 5

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R.N.Z.N. R.N.Z.N.R. R.N.Z.N.V.R. Reason for Discharge. Totals. TempoT. 124. Temponent. rary. nent. j rary. nent. rary. Appointments terminated 3 8 7 50 66 39 1,269 1,442 (includes releases in turn, surplus, and man-power releases) Dead (including missing, Xrn \ 4 2 1 4 1 . 4 177 193 UjU. J Medically unfit 1 6 8 2 68 85 Transfers to R.N., R.I.N., 1 6 7 &c. Desertion 1 1 Unsuitable, &c. 1 1 1 5 8 Totals 7 11 8 62 76 46 1,526 1,736

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3. The total casualties suffered by personnel of the Royal New Zealand Navy from 3rd September, 1939, are summarized below :

Awards as at 31st March, 1946

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Total Casualties. Nature of Casualty. Officers. Ratings. New Zealand. Loan. Total. New Zealand. Loan. | Total. Killed in action Killed in an air raid Accidentally killed or died as result of an accident Died of wounds, injuries, or exposure due to enemy action Died of illness Drowned Missing, presumed killed Suicide .. .. .. ' 8 71 4 9 94 8 71 4 9 94 24 6 30 6 41 14 215 2 11 " 2 1 2 2 35 6 32 7 43 14 217 2 Total 186 .. 186 338 18 356 Missing, whereabouts unknown Prisoners of war Interned 7 7 7 7 Total 7 7 7 7* Seriously wounded Wounded Seriously injured as the result of enemy action Seriously injured as the result of an accident Injured as the result of enemy action Injured as the result of an accident 3 8 2 8 8 20 " 2 1 3 10 2 8 9 20 16 13 5 6 31 18 9 3 1 4 25 16 6 6 35 18 Total 49 3 52 89 17 106

Awards. R.N.Z.N. serving in R.N.Z.N. R.N.Z.N. serving with R.N R.N. on Loan to R.N.Z.N. Total. Officers. Ratings. Officers. Ratings. Officers. Ratings. Companions of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.) Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) Bar to Distinguished Service Order Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.) Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) Bar to Distinguished Service Cross Second Bar to Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.) Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (C.G.M.) .. Albert Medal (Bronze) Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.) British Empire Medal (B.E.M.).. Mentioned in Despatches* Special Commendation Total £ • CO • • • • h-« • H— 1 <W • • • H-* • £5 ional 1.7 3 15 4 1 1 2 70 7 1 111 1 1 6 2 16 1 2 6 '7 • GO • JC • 1 7 1 1 2 79 8 1 1 1 1 31 5 167 1 9 35 198 25 16 24 307 ♦Includes posthumous awards —4 officers, 1 rating.

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Awards as at 31st March, 1946 —continued

SECTION XII.—CIVILIAN STAFF AND DOCKYARD WORKMEN Permanent and Temporary Civilian Staff There has been a heavy decrease in the strength of the civil Public Service staff, particularly amongst the female staff, following the raising of the declaration of essentiality on the Public Service. The following table shows total civil staff employed in the Navy Department since the outbreak of war: — Ist September, 1939 .. .. .. 80 31st March, 1940 .. .. .. 119 31st March, 1941 .. .. .. .. 242 31st March, 1942 .. .. .. .. 385 31st March, 1943 .. .. .. .. 536 31st March, 1944 .. .. .. .. 622 31st March, 1945 .. .. .. .. 646 31st March, 1946 .. .. .... 555 2. During the year the Naval Store Depots at Palmerston North and Lyttelton were closed down, but operations continue in the stores at Lower Hutt, Aotea Quay, Wellington, and Ashburton. 3. There has been the greatest increase in male staff during the year than at any other time during the war period. There were very heavy losses of female staff, however, causing gaps in complement which have not been filled. Female staff became increasingly harder to obtain on the labour market, and even at the end of the year, some seven months after the termination of hostilities, the supply had not improved. Reductions in activities, however, are causing the gap between staff requirements and available staff to decrease.

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Awards. II.K.Z.N, serving in R.N.Z.N. It.N.Z.N, serving with U.N. R.N. on Loan to R.N.Z.N. Total. Officers. J Ratings. Officers. Eatings. Officers. Ratings. Periodic Companions of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.) Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.) Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.) British Empire Medal (B.E.M.).. . .. Mentioned in Despatches - ; 6 12 V io I "2" 14 9 i i l 1 4 6 1 5 3 1 10 20 14 1 16 15 Total 18 11 25 3 12 8 77 Total awards 27 46 223 28 28 32 384 Foreign . Awards American Navy Cross American Silver Star Medal American Letter of Commendation American Bronze Star Medal French Croix de Guerre 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 16 ! •' • • 1 2 1 6 3 5 23 3 2 Total of foreign awards 1 19 3 7 36 #

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4. The main reasons for the loss of female staff are — (а) Relaxation of man-power control: (б) Staff leaving to be married. Henceforward it will be possible to arrange the work of the Department on the basis of an increasing male staff. 5. During the period of the war the acute shortage of trained staff available resulted in a number of the Department's routine functions being allowed to stand over. With the availability of more staff, these matters will again be given full attention. 6. It was necessary to work considerable overtime up to VJ Day, after which the urgency attaching to some aspects of the Department's activities eased, and overtime accordingly fell. As a general rule the forty-hour week was re-established, but occasional rush jobs have required the working of overtime. Overtime at the end of the year was practically non-existent. Casual Employees, H.M.N.Z. Dockyard Generally speaking, employment over the past twelve months has been at a higher average than has previously obtained in the Dockyard, due mainly to the increase in activities in the Pacific area consequent upon the cessation of hostilities in Europe. After VJ Day the number of employees began to decline, particularly after the completion of the refit of H.M.N.Z.S. " Gambia " in December. - 2. The yearly averages of men employed in the Dockyard is set out hereunder:— 1945-46 .. .. 517 1942-43 .. .. 511 1944-45 .. .. 486 1941-42 .. .. 445 1943-44 .. .. 498 3. Prior to the cessation of hostilities, the Dockyard working week was fifty-six % hours or over. After the cessation of hostilities in the Pacific, every effort was made to return to a forty-hour week, and as a result of this, overtime has been eliminated except in rare emergency cases dictated by the sailing dates of ships of war. 4. The Dockyard agreement expired on 4th February, 1945, and early steps were taken to prepare a fresh agreement. This was finally signed in September, 1945, to the satisfaction -of all parties. 5. Applications for apprentices were again called at the beginning of 1946, and once more the general response was poor, except in the case of the electrical and fitting trades. During the year five apprentices completed their training and qualified as tradesmen. Six apprentices who have been absent on military service revived their contracts. SECTION XIII.—H.M.N.Z. DOCKYARD AND NAVAL BASE Dockyard Work The main items of work carried out during the year were as follows : Major refits — " H.M.N.Z.S. " Gambia." H.M.S. " Quadrant." H.M.S. " Wakeful." H.M.S. " Redpole." H.M.S. " Whirlwind." H.M.S. " Wessex." H.M.S. " Undaunted." H.M.S. " Barfleur."

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In addition, a minor refit was carried out on H.M.N.Z.S. " Achilles," whilst many other smaller vessels were refitted and repaired. The A/S M/S trawlers, " Waima," " Waipu," and " Waiho," were converted to danlayers, whilst " Arabis " and " Arbutus " were fitted out for mines weeping duties. 2. Equipment on 44 D.E.M.S. was repaired as necessary, and also minor work on 22 United States vessels was carried out. 3. The policy of refitting British Pacific Fleet vessels at Devonport caused considerable activity in the Base torpedo-store, which had also taken over the task of servicing all paravanes upon the closing down of Beach Road Paravane Depot. Dockyard Projects 4. Considerable progress hag been made towards completion of all major works, and the main building programme is nearing completion. Details of main projects are as follows :—■ (а) Boiler-shop.—Building completed and occupied in August, 1945. Machinery installation is still in hand and roading almost completed. (б) Breastwork. —Main construction has been completed. Fender piling and services are well advanced. (c) Fairmile Slipway.—The new Fairmile slipway was handed over by Public Works during the year and put into full operation. (d) Bulk Fuel and main concreting has been completed. (e) Electrical Reticulation. —Consequent upon the general extension of the Base, a complete overhaul of the electrical reticulation was commenced, involving ■ the erection and installation of four new substations and renewing the laying of additional cables. This work is now in hand, but completion is dependent upon receipt of machinery and materials from overseas. (/) Shoal Bay. —Phase C buildings have been completed, but full occupation is held up pending the completion of roading, drainage, and fittings. Roading and drainage for phase A and B are almost completed. (g) General.—The delay in completion of the Shoal Bay project has prevented the carrying-out of the full re-organization of the Dockyard. This entails — (1) Conversion of No. 1 store into (i) fitters' shop ; (ii) tool-room ; (iii) loan-toOl store. (2) No. 2 store into Base torpedo-store and workshop. 5. A new 10-ton electric luffing crane has been erected on the Calliope Wharf extension. A 3-ton steam crane has also been put into service on Calliope Jetty. Storage 6. The plan adopted for the transfer of all store accommodation from the south yard to the north yard has been delayed by at least nine months by delays in completion of the new store building at north yard. Stocks have increased considerably, due to the arrival of stores which have been on Order for many months, and due to the transfer of considerable reserves of stores to New Zealand by Admiralty to meet the possible requirements of British Pacific Fleet vessels. 7. These factors have led to serious congestion in all store spaces, which is now being relieved by disposal of surplus stocks and by the completion of new accommodation. In view of this, the vacating of leased storage space has been delayed, but private property is being released as early as possible by transfer of stocks to Government properties. SECTION XIV.—NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOTS Kauri Point, Auckland The volume of work has shown no decrease following the cessation of hostilities. Storage facilities will continue to be a problem until satisfactory arrangements can be made for the disposal of surplus and condemned stores.

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Shelly Bay, Wellington 2. This depot lias functioned most efficiently during the past year, and requirements of armament supplies to ELM. ships, United States ships, and D.E.M. ships have been dealt with. Cass Bay, Lyttelton 3. Of the ten magazines at Cass Bay, three are on loan to the Army, and the remainder fully utilized by Navy. SECTION XV.—GENERAL EDUCATIONAL WORK IN THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY The general educational welfare service which R.N.Z.A.F. Educational Services is providing for the Air Force continues to be available to the Royal New Zealand Navy. Owing to the cessation of hostilities, the scope of the work has been considerably reduced, and one indication of this has been the release of Wing Commander E. Caradus, 0.8. E., as Director of Educational Services, R.N.Z.A.F., his position being taken over by an Education Officer with the status of Staff Officer, Education, R.N.Z.A.F. Plans are in hand for the reorganization of education in the Interim Air Force, and when the new scheme has been fully approved the facilities provided thereby will be available to the Navy on the same terms as in the past. The numbers of Education Officers have been reduced over the course of the last year to one on each of the large R.N.Z.A.F. stations, and there are now no Education Officers overseas, with the exception of one with No. 14 Squadron, R.N.Z.A.F., in Japan. Current Affairs 2. The Army Education and Welfare Service have now ceased to publish Current Affairs Bulletins, and the only assistance at present being given to discussion groups are lecture notes on current topics, published monthly. Study Courses (A.E.W.S.) 3. All stocks of these courses are being transferred to the Education Department, but they will continue to be available for the use of servicemen. Other Study Courses 4. In addition to those study courses provided by A.E.W.S., study courses from the following Government Departments are still available to the Navy through Staff Officer, Education, R.N.Z.A.F. : Government Correspondence School; Wellington Technical College ; Post and Telegraph Correspondence School; New Zealand Railways Correspondence School. University and Professional Courses 5. The A.E.W.S. text-book service has been available to the Navy over the past year, and, in addition, there have been marking facilities in all subjects for Accountants' Professional. Individual professors and lecturers have assisted personnel in many ways, including the supply of special notes and the marking of work. Recreational Libraries 6. The recreational library service is still being organized through the A.E.W.S. library depots, but most of the books at present available will revert to the control of the National Library Service, where they will continue to be available to naval, shore stations, and probably also to sea-going ships.

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School Classes 7. Organization and attendance at school classes reached its peak over the last year, and although the numbers are now considerably reduced, there is still appreciable class activity in a very wide range of subjects. It is again notable that the principals of the schools have co-operated whole-heartedly in arranging classes for Service personnel. Rehabilitation and Vocational Guidance 8. The latest information with regard to rehabilitation and post-war prospects in trades and professions has been distributed to all naval units. A publication which has been added recently is the Rehabilitation Department's newspaper, Change Step. R.N.Z.A.F. Educational Certificate 9. By means of educational progress cards a record is kept of courses completed while students are members of the Navy or Air Force. On application, personnel of either Service may receive a special certificate setting out courses satisfactorily completed while in the Armed Services. The courses included on the certificate will not include those for which diplomas or certificates are normally issued by the examining bodies concerned. The details of the courses are not set out on the certificate, but reference is made to R.N.Z.A.F. Educational Handbook, N.Z.A.P. 48, in which synopses of all such courses are published. Public Examinations 10. Facilities for the conduct of public examinations have continued to be available over the past year, both within New Zealand and overseas. In particular, a number of naval personnel sat University examinations in November, 1945, while serving in sea-going ships. General 11. (i) Although Wing Commander E. Caradus has returned to his civil position as Chief Inspector of Secondary Schools, he still continues to represent Naval and Air Force interests on the Education Committee of the Rehabilitation Board. (ii) The Advisory Subcommittee of the Education Committee of the Rehabilitation Board in London has now ceased operation, but there are still quite a large number of naval personnel on short-term attachments to colleges and business houses in England as part of their pre-rehabilitation training. W. J. G. Prophit, Naval Secretary and Member New Zealand Naval Board. Mark Taylor, Second Naval Member, New Zealand Naval Board. G. H. Faulkner, First Naval Member, New Zealand Naval Board. Approximate Cost of Paper.Preparation, not given ; printing (543 copies), £4O

By Authority: E, V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1946, Price 9d."\

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