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Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 197, 18 May 1944, Page 4

Among the recent significant signs pnd portents of impending big events in Western Europe is the King’s’ visit to the British Home Fleet, a visit undertaken, it is stated, “to take leave of the captains and bid them, their ships, and their ships’ companies godspeed before the battle." In the vast operations involved in the opening of the “Second Front.” so long discussed anti now so expectedly near, the Home Fleet of the Royal Navy will have a tremendous and perilous responsibility. The variety of duties assigned to it are beyond imagining in detail. Minefields must be cleared, enemy submarines detected and disposed of, before landings can be attempted. Once the beach-heads are established the great task of escorting reinforcements and supplies for building up and maintaining the Strength of the invasion forces for perhaps months on end will begin. There will be supporting fire from warships off shore to cover the landings, and naval aircraft from the carriers will come into action. The Navy, with its “air umbrella,” will be in the van of the invasion forces, their flank protection, their rearguard, and the backbone of the whole enterprise. The King’s “godspeed” to the ships, captains, and ships’ companies was therefore no mere ceremonial occasion. It was a gesture betokening and emphasizing the gravity of this imminent great adventure.