FLAG RANK CHANGES

Hokitika Guardian, 30 August 1921, Page 1

FLAG RANK CHANGES

Kill LIONEL HALSEY PROMOTED

Consequent on tlie retirement ol Admiral of the Fleet the Hon Sir Hodwort li Aloux (who ns Captain Hamilton, of H.M.S. Powerful, took part in the defence ol Ladysmith), there lime keen a number of promotions of flag officers in the Nnv.v. One of particular interest to New Zealanders is that of Rear-Ad-miral Sir Lionel Halsey to ho Vice-Ad-miral in Ills Majesty’s Fleet, to date July otli.. 1921. Vice-Admiral Sir L. Halsey is the well-known Equerry to th« Prince of Wales, and Comptroller of his 11: usehold, and accompanied him as Chief of Staff on his visit to New Zealand and Australia last year. In Ul3 lie commissioned and commanded the haf tic cruiser New Zealand for her Umpire cruise, and was still in command of her when war broke out, being present at the actions of the Heligoland Bight and Dogger Bank. He subsequently became ('apta in of the Fleet under Viscount Jellicoe in the Iron Duke, and was present at the .Rattle of Jutland. Admiral Halsey received his IP'st promotion to llag-rank in April. 1017, and shortly afterwards became Third Sea Lord, ft is a coincidence that Admiral Halsey, who gets his step through Admiral Meux’s retirement, was that officer’s executive -ofliear miri,,., n,o siege of l.adysmith, for vhicli scrdcc he received early promotion to Commander. Another promotion of considerable interest i« that of Admiral F. C*. Doveton Fturdoo. who has been selected for promotion to Admiral of the Fleet, ami who is well-known for his victory over von Spec’s squadron off the Irolkland Islands, December Stb. 1911. for which he was created a baronet. On his return from the Falk lands he was appointed to command the 4th Battle Squadron of the Oraml Fleet, with which 1m was present at Jutland, being mentioned in despatches and receiving tlm K.O.MJL In March. 1918. Admiral Stui-dcc became Commander-in-Chie! at the No re. a post which he held until ]asl March. In 1899. as commandor of H.M.S. Porpoise, lie \vw in command of the British force employed in Samoa.