NAVAL MANOEUVRES

Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1929, Page 5

NAVAL MANOEUVRES

IN .MEDITERRANEAN. (UV.ttd Press Association.—Ry Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, .March 12. (or respondents accompanying the British battleships in the Mediterran <•.‘111 to view the approaching manoeuvres were impressed by the inspiring enthusiasm oi everybody concerning the movements of the ships. As til:; I bird Rattle Squadron steamed from Barcelona all the ships were agog with excitement over a forthcoming mimic battle be.tween the flagship Benbow. the .Marlborough and the Emperor India, and a flotilla comprising nine destroyers. Wartime conditions were most strictly observed, no lights except stern lights showing. Knowing that the waspish destroyers were ambushing, the keenest watch was maintained on board the battleships. Suddenly the Benbow. ahead of the .Marlborough. focussed her searchlights on the speeding destroyers when the Marlborough illuminated the Emperor ot Lidia following. The booming of guns shattered the silence, whilst dazzling searchlights swept the destroyers, which dotted tile horizon. The power of manoeuvre possessed by the destroyers proved marvellous, they turning and zigzagging incessantly. Tjiet’opcre ations began at 2.30 a.m.. and lasted for-half an hour. It is considered that t-lie .destroyers. effected a splendid attack, a pitch dark night proving most favourable for their purpose. .- ; Arriving at ..;.P.ollenS;n Bay, the ships anchored to await and complete the Mediterranean Fleet. Then the lull manoeuvres ivill begin. | : <t ■ \) ■ . • • ' •

FRENCH CRUISER’S WORLD TOUR

PARTS, .March 14

The cruiser “ Tourville ” lias just completed her trials, and begins a, world tour from Brest, on July 3. She touches at Panama. Samoa. Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne. Fremantle, and Singapore, returning to Toulon at the end of 1929.