NAVAL BATTLE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 August 1933, Page 8

NAVAL BATTLE

CRUISERS PRACTICE. AUCKLAND, August 21. ■ln preparation for'the forthcoming Combined' exercises and manoeuvres ivith f the Australian- squadron, H.M.S. Dibhlede;- commanded by Captain Cosno left Auckland for Russell this afternoon. She will be followed in ' the morning by H.M.S. Dunedin, die flagship of Commodore Bur g ress Watson,' and the two cruisers will meet it Russell before putting to- sea for the mock battle which will be the central feature of the manoeuvres. The early departure of the Diomede was occasioned by the fact that tests bad to be carried out with her ' port engine.' This was • damaged last Tuesday'when the cruiser was returning to Auckland from Hauraki Gulf: Repairs were effected at the Devonport naval base, and full tests will be carried out on the trip to Russell. The mock battle with the visiting cruisers Canberra, the flagship of iWar-Admiral R. S. Dalgliesh, and Australia will take place on Wednesday and Thursday off the northern coast. The Australian, warship will represent a raiding squadron and it will be the duty of the Dunedin and the Diomede to defend the boast against them. Both the Canberra And the Australia are fast,, powerful' cruisers' carrying Sin; guns. Each carries a seaplane as well, and aircraft will be used for reconnaisancc work during the manoeuvres. A Eiiirey 111. F seaplane Lorn Hobsonville air .base, ? piloted by 5 Squadron liader J,, ; M. Isitt and Flight Lieutenant S. will co-operate with' th'e-’Nqw,;Zealand 'squadron;' The <Fair-' ey is . much faster 'titan the aircraftcarried' by the Australian ships, ayi it is expected, that this fact will give added 'interest to the preliminary manoeuvres before the two squadrons come to grips. The Lour cruisers will put into Russell at the end of the week. Here courtesy calls will be exchanged and pulling and sailing regattas will be held, iu addition to various competitions be•between the squadrons. 'Special intciest is being-'taken in these competitions hv the'New Zealand ratings, as all are | designed,te-itest'-,the .efficiency of the various ships’ companies. I | The 'combined.. squadrons . will reach * Aaiid trom ‘Russell. pn.'August 31 {; afiH ’there will he a full programme of srfbfting events; .and, speal. engagements during the V-week - winch the Australihn cruisers will spend in, port. ■On SepIteThhbi* 6:i<thejfjO\tr cruisers will leave i; Auckland cfor'stlie Hauraki; Gulf, anU -will carrv out combined gunnery exeri cises:-before leaving Lor. the south.