BEATTY TO U.8. FLEET.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1919, Page 3

BEATTY TO U.B. FLEET.

COMRADES OF THE MIST. Admiral Sir David Beatty gave a farewell to tlie American squadron on its departure from the Grand Fleet. Speaking to all hands mustered in, the fo’eastle of tlie U.S.S, New York, lie said:

“] could not let the Sixth Battle Squadron go without coining on board the New York and saying something of what I feel at this moment of our departure. I had intended to ask Adpijpal Rodman to permit me to say something Jo the representatives of all the ships of the Sixth Rattlp Squadron on board Ins flagship but the exigencies of the service did not permit me. Therefore, as Admiral Rodman has said ) wlint I say to you I hope you will promulgate to your comrados in other ships and also to your comrades of the Atlantic Fleet

“What I say, I hope you will understand, comes from the heart, not only my heart, but also the hearts of your comrades of flic Grand Fleet. I want first of all to thank you, Admiral Rodman, the captains, officers and ships 1 companies of this magnificent squadron for the wonderful co-operation and loyalty you have given trie and my admirals and assistance you have given us in every duty you had to undertake. (‘The support which you have shown L that of true comradeship and in tjme of stress that; is worth a very great deal. As somebody said the other day, ‘Fighting is now over; talking is now going to begin,’' Therefore I do pot want to keep you here any longer, but I want to congratulate you for having been present upon a day unsurpassed in the naval annals of the world. A PITIFUL DAY.

“I know quite well that you, as well as nil your British comrades were bitterly disappointed at not being able to give effect to that efficiency you have so well maintained. It "'as a most disapi>ohiting day. It was a pitiful d a .v to see those great ships coming in like sheep being herded by dogs to their fold without an effort oil anybody’s part; but it was a day everybody could be proud of. “I have received messages from several people offering sympathy to the Grand Fleet and iny answer was: ‘We do-not want sympathy, we wapf. recognition of the fact that the prestige the Grand Fleet stood so high that it. was sufficient to cause flic enemy to surrender without striking a blow .’ “J had always certain misgivings when the Sixth Battle Squadron became part of the Gland Fleet, those misgivings were doubly strengthened and I knew then they (tho Huns) would throw up 1 lioir hands. Apparently the Sixth Battle Squadron was the straw that broke the camel's back. However the disappointment that the Grand Fleet was unable to strike a blow for tlie freedom of the world is counteracted by the fact that it was their prestige alone that brought about this achievement-. “During the last twelve months you have been with us wo It ive learned to know each other very well . Me have learned to respect each other. I wantyou to take back a message to the Atlantic Fleet that you have left a very warm place in the hearts of the Grand Fleet which cannot be filled until you conic back or send smother squadron to represent you. You have given us n sample of tho Atlantic Fleet which I think will try the Atlantic Fleet ellicient as it is, very hard to reproduce.

‘1 understand you are now going o Portland were you are to get leave. After that you have the duty to perform of bringing your President to these waters and then you will return to yotn own shores. And 1 hope that in the sunshine which Admiral Hodman tells me alwavs shines there you won’t forget your ‘comrades of the mist’ and your pleasant associations of the North Sea. QUEER NORTH SEA. “This is a (jurer place, us you found; but you were not ll.e first to find it out. There was a great explorer, Marco Polo, who, after travelling over the world for :10 years, one day found himself m the North Sea and then went home and went. 10 bed and did not travel any more. “1 trust it will not have the same e - feet on any of you, but i can say those of YOU who I have seen during the last 12 ‘months seem to have improved in many wavs, if it were possible, and 1 think the North S<’“ ' ,i,H 11 boalth-givmg tiualilv which must he put against a its had points of which there are so many. ' “I thank you again and again lor Hie •'real- part the Sixth Hattie Squadron has played in bringing about the greatest naval victory in history. I hope you will uivo this message to vour comrades: ‘Come back soon.’ Cood-bye. and good luck.*’