MIMIC NAVAL WARFARE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21413, 4 March 1935, Page 11

MIMIC NAVAL WARFARE

CO-OPERATION FROM MERCHANTMEN DEFENDING BRITAIN'S TRADE ROUTES LONDON, March 1. A unique experience awaits the New Zealand and Australian passengers on several liners and freighters engaged in the EnglandAustralia trade, including the Maloja, Oronsay, and Ormonde, which will participate in interesting naval exercises, commencing on March 7. These exercises will involve eight days' strenuous naval warfare in the Atlantic, in which the full strength of the Home Mediterranean Fleets will be engaged. The Admiralty has specially arranged for the shipping companies' voluntary co-operation to enable them to make the exercises as realistic as possible. The merchantmen will answer all signals from the warships, but the voyages will in no way be diverted or delayed. It is hoped thereby to secure valuable data on the defence of trade routes.

The opposing forces comprise "Redland" and "Blueland." "Redland" has great aerial superiority and a slight preponderance of capital ships and 10,000-ton cruisers. "Blueland" is superior in light surface forces, small cruisers, and destroyers, and has a small advantage in submarines. The exercises will occur due east from San Miguel and south from Lisbon for 550 miles, and from there across the Straits of Gibraltar and down the Moroccan coast to Masagan. The opposing fleets will operate over an area 900 miles in length and 1000 miles across, with a narrow channel for 450 miles. Certain liners will be specially instructed and informed of their "nationality." They will be requested to make wireless enemy reports on their own initiative if any enemy warship is sighted. Warships sighting an enemy will remain adjacent for half an hour, representing the time occupied in war-time, and then put a prize crew aboard. The exercises have involved comprehensive preliminary organisation, including the safeguarding of merchantmen against submarines operating submerged.