THE BRITISH AT ANTWERP

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2285, 20 October 1914, Page 5

THE BRITISH AT ANTWERP

NAVAL BRIGADE'S WORK MR. CHURCHILL'S MESSAGE The Prime Minister has received the following message from the High Commissioner:— . London, October 18, 6.40 p.m. Official.—-The First Lord of the Admiralty has addressed the following message to tho Koyal Naval Division on its return from Antwerp:—'Tho First Lord welcomes the Royal Naval Division home from active service. Officers and men of all ranks and rating acquitted themselves admirably, and thoroughly justified the confidence reposed in them. Tho loss of a portion of tho First Brigade through a mistake in no way reflects upon the quality and character of tho Division. 'Die brigade of the Royal Marines throughout the operations sustained fully by their firmness, discipline, and courage the traditions of corps, rt is not necessary to say more.- The Naval Brigades bore themselves admirably under tho artillery fire of the enemy, and it ie to be regretted that no opportunities for closer contact with his infantry were afforded. '"The dispatch of the Naval Brigades to Antwerp interrupted for a time the progress ol ; their instruction and training. They were chosen because the need was . urgent and bitter; because mobile treops could not-bo spared for fortress duties; because they were noarest and could embark quickly; because their training, although incomplete, was as far advanced as that of a large portion, not only of the forces defending Antwerp, but of enemy forces attacking. The Naval Division was sent to Antwerp not as an isolated incident, but as part of a. largo operation fo'r ffia relief of the city.' Other more powerful considerations prevented this from being carried through. "The defence of the inner lines at Antwerp could have been maintained for some days, and tho Naval Division was only .withdrawn when ordered, in obedience to the general strategic situation, and not on account of attack or pressure by the enemy. The prolongation of defence due to the arrival of the Naval Division enabled the ships in tho harbour to be rendered useless, and many steps of importance to be taken. It is too early now to judge what effect the delaying, even for five or six days, of at least sixty thousand Germans before Antwerp may have had upon the fortunes of tho general battle southward. It'was certainly powerful <md helpful. "Apart from the military experiences, which have, been invaluable, tho Division have,'been witnesses of .the rutTilessness of the German foe toward a small, innocent State. These facts should inspire all ranks to fit themselves .in the shortest possible time for further servico in the field, not merely at fortress, but as mobile units. The Belgian people cau ne'ver forget that men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines were with thorn in their darkest hour, as please God they .may ats'o be with them when Belgium is restored to her own by the armies of the Allies."