THE NAME 'AJAX'

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 227, 18 October 1940, Page 4

THE NAME 'AJAX'

Cryptic messages from the Naval Authorities have announced with characteristic terseness details of the further glorious exploit of the gallant little cruiser H.M.S. Ajax. This time in the Mediterranean,the fighting vessel has dealt a blow at the naval forces of II Duce, single-hand-ed, and the Empire has thrilled to the, name 'Ajax' in the same, manner it did to the exploit of the River Plate when the pride of the German fleet went to its ignoble fate. The action in which three Italian. ships of war were destroyed and a further number put to flight by a single British ship has sent a warm glow of satisfaction through every British breast. Not only has it once again endorsed our faith in our traditional supremacy at sea but it also illustrates the impossibility of the Italian dictator bringing reinforcements to his isolated forces in Libya. In this respect New Zealand has a direct interest in the action, for as long as Italian forces can be kept from Egypt, just so long will the invasion be postponed and our own boys who are now formingpart of the garrison of that country, preserved from any major fighting. Whatever our hopes or fears for the future we can rest secure in the knowledge that Brittania still rules the waves and that our far-flung naval might is still the strongest curb on the champions of force and world domination. Stirring interludes such as this serve c as a wonderful tonic to the morale of the nation and do much to inspire confidence in the wavering Americas. Just so long as our navy remains the dominant force at sea, Hitler's, armies will remain land-bound in Europe and Mussolini's projected action in North Africa remain barren of results. As this uncertain war progresses we can rest as-' surecl of one thing, and, that is that the name 'Ajax' is fast becoming a symbol of the courage and daring so long associated with the British navy in the past. Long may her gallant company be spared to give further proof of their prowess, and long may the name of their brave little ship, continue to give inspiration and* hope to the world.