NAVAL REPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1928, Page 2

NAVAL REPORT

TROUBLE ON AVARSHIP. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, Alarch 15. During the debate on the Navy Estimates, Commander Bollairs asked if tlie telgraphed statements were true that the officers of the Royal Oak had refused to sail under the Admiral, and had been court martiallcd and carried as passengers to Gibraltar. Lieut. Col. Headlam, replying, said the Admiralty had insufficient information to give an answer. LONDON, Alarch 15. The Central News Malta, correspondent says there is considerable speculation at the delay of tlie sailing of the First Battle Squadron of the Mediterranean Fleet from Malta. It wasduo at Gibraltar on Sunday, but did not weigh anchor until Alonday morning when the flag of tlie flagship Royal Oak was seen to be hauled down, which is the sign that the captain relinquishes command. The full significance of this act is not yet known. It is reported t-hat it resulted from the conduct of tlie captain and senior officers, two of whom are said to have gone to Gibraltar, en route to England. The squadron sailed with Captain Osborne, of the gun-boat- Kgmont, in command of the Royal Oak. Tlie Royal Oak is the flagship of Rear Admiral B. St. G. Collard, and is commanded, according to the current Navy List, by Captain Tv. G. B. Dewar, who is also stnlf officer to Admiral Collanl. LONDON. Alarch IG. The Navy sensation broke out late, and took Parliament and the newtspatters by surprise. Tt is understood that Commander Bollairs had no information of his on when bo asked the question. He merely wished to give the Government an opportunity, if necessary, of correcting unofficial reports. These were based on the Central News Agency telegram, which, however, was much more guarded than the rumours being circulated. The Daily Express lobbyist states that he is able to confirm the report that there has been trouble on the Royal Oak the precise nature of which is unknown in London owing to some interruption in the wireless communication. but the Admiralty has reason to believe that Commander Bollairs’ account is exaggerated. Tt is known however, that there has been a difficulty such as would necessitate an inquiry, although there is no evidence that a court martial had been necessary . Late last night an official of the Admiralty said ho was entirely without information, and inclined to regard the reports of the mutiny incredible. “Our last message from the Royal Oak was on AVcdnesday, when she was nearing Gibraltar. She ought to he there now.” Commander Bollairs, in the lobby, said lie was surprised at Lieut. Cob Headlands answer, which was an equivocal way of dealing with the matter.

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