AUSTRALIAN NAVY

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1920, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN NAVY

GIFT DESTROYER FLOTILLA. > LONDON, Jan. 27. Commander Salisbury H. Simpson, R.N., D. 5.0., of the destroyer flotilla leader Anzac, wlio commands the flotilla, conducted Mr Andrew Fisher, Australian High Commissioner on a tour of inspection of the destroyers, which have been iiresented to Australia by the British Government. The destroyers Tattoo, Tasmania, Stalwart, and Success, are lying in Chatham Dockyard. She Anzac and Swordsman are still at Portsmouth

Mr Fisher inspected the crews lined up at the dock side. Hb congratulated the officers and men on their smart workmanlike appearance. He expressed the gratification Australia felt at the splendid gift, and tho hope that officers and men would spend a pleasant time on the Australian station. Commander Simpson said be wanted the flotilla to set a good example everywhere. “We want efficient ships' and

happy ships, and we can’t get one without the other.” Lieut-Commander A. M. Roberts, P.N., D. 5.0., of the Tatoo, escorted Air Fisher over his vessel.

Although there are other equally modern destroyers in Home and Mediterranean waters, the Australian vessels are likely to excite considerable interest beyond Aden, as they will be the most up-to-date destroyers ever seen in eastern waters. They will make a stay of eight days at Bombay. It has been arranged that they will arrive at Sydney on An>zac Day (April 25th). The crews will serve in the Royal Australian. Navy for two years. There lias been no difficulty in securing volunteers. All are enthusiastic at the prospect of a long stay in Australian waters. The crews of the Anzac and Swordsman include a considerable proportion ' of Australians. The crews of the others are almost exclusively English. All have-had long war service, representing practically every naval engagement except the Battle of the Falkland Islands. Commander Simpson gained the D.S.Q. with bar, for brilliant work in a mysterious “Q” ship tracking down submarines.

Lieut-Commander Roberts served at the Dardanelles, and in the Battle of Jutland. Lieutenant Corby, of the Tattoo, .was a gunner in H-M.S. Vindictive, and won special promotion in recognition of his bravery, he being one of the first to land on the mole at Zeebrugge. Another of the officers of the Tatoo is Engineer-Lieutenant Harden, of the Naval College, Jervis Bay, N.S.W., who was twice blown up during the war., once on board JJ.iYI.S. Curpcio, in the Baltic.

Lieut-Commander Hughes-White (P Hughes-Hallett) commands the Swordsman. Lieutenant H. O. Joyce, D. 5.0., with a bar, gained ivliilo hunting submarines, commands the Tasmania. Lieutenant F. L. Cavaye, who served in H.M.A.S. Sydney, commands the Stalwart, aud Lieutenant 0. R. Waee commands the Success.