NAVAL EXPLOITS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 44, 15 November 1940, Page 6

NAVAL EXPLOITS

New Zealanders’ Pride And Admiration ATTACK ON ITALIAN FLEET Gallantry Of Jervis Bay The admiration and pride tell by the people of New Zealand for the daring and successful exploit of the Fleet Air Arm against an Italian naval squadron at its base in Taranto, and for the gallant action fought by the Jervis Bay against a German warship, was referred to by the Prime Minister, Mr. Frpser, in an interview last night. He also mentioned the general relief at the news of the escape of the Rangitiki and her safe arrival in port.

Mr. Fraser expressed great satisfaction at the result of the attack ou the Italian fleet in Taranto. The news, he said, was received throughout the Dominion with a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for the achievement of the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. “It is another indication,” said the Prime Minister, "of the striking force of the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth of Nations, and is well deserved retribution for the cowardly gang in control of Italy who slunk into the war like hyenas, following the Nazi wolves at a time when they thought the British Commonwealth was down and out.”

The Prime Minister said that the admiration of New Zealanders for the gallant light put up by the crew of the Jervis Bay against a heavily-armed enemy warship was equally widespread. There had been no more gallant action in British naval history. By her engagement with the enemy, the ships in the convoy she was escorting were able to scatter and reach port. There was general relief and satisfaction in New Zealand at the news of the safety of the Rangitiki, which was so wellknown to the people of this country, who would not be slow to realize that' it was only the self-sacrifice of the Jervis Bay which enabled the Rangitiki and other ships to escape.