"NEWMYSTERY SHIPS"

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3001, 12 February 1917, Page 4

"NEWMYSTERY SHIPS"

"I saw some of the new mystery ships that have been built for the Admiralty," writes a lieutenant from a battle-oruiser in the Grand Fleet, who deft Australia with the Australian Imperial Forces. "They are huge, beautiful things, and aro credited with wonderful speed. 1 wonder what the Huns will think when they see them. I know what I thought." The lieutenant explains that the Admiralty allows one military officer aboard certain ships which have accommodation, and after leaving hospital for a fortnight's furlough, he was fortunate enough to obtain a permit to spend ten days with the Fleet. "I've had every opportunity of viewing the various squadrons at work and at play," he writes. "It is just ripping to see the way everything ie carried out. Though there has been no actual fighting, there is a lot taking place. Wβ have had it very cold and rough, with occasional gales and snovr blizzards, including fogs. The captain never leaves the bridge while the vessel is steaming. The Navy is carrying out dangerous and remarkable operations, for which it seldom receives the praise due to it. We are now quite close to Willy's headquarters. One day I had an opportunity of witnessing part of the Fleet at battle practice. The ships fired all their heavy guns at towed targets. The noise was deafening, and I was glad to stuff cotton wool in my ears to deaden the sound. The Hun fleet is keeping well within the minefields, and has seldom [efj; its base since tha last-ficSoa-.' 1