SILENT VIGIL OF THE FLEET.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1431, 31 July 1915, Page 3

SILENT VIGIL OF THE FLEET.

London, July 29. The Archbishop of York, after his recent visit to the Fleet, describes the silent vigil of the ships in the northern seas, and the longing of the men to meet the German ships. He says that nn indelible impression was left on his heart and mind by this grand fleet, which forms a world apart, with its own life task and wonderful incommunicable spirit. “To share its life tor a short time enables one to realise the magnitude of the sacrifice which the officers and men are making for their country. For a year the fleets have endured the strain of immediate readiness for battle, roaming ceaselessly in the northern and western seas. “ Sailors’ leave is almost im possible. Many o f ~ men have not had forty eigi.. .. >*irs’ re fixation, though they are often within sight of their homes. There are few to envy them. 1 heir comrades have had their day at the Dogger Bank, at Heligoland, and the Dardanelles. “It is impossible to describe the strain of waiting. Vet, tie spite this, all are cheerful, and splendidly fit in body and spirit, “ The organisation of a great fleet, mobilised lor war, is something that cannot be realised unless it is seen. Amongst the superiors in command I did not bear the slightest criticism or breath of jealousy. The state of affairs which I found justified the boast of the Vice-Admiral: ‘We are all a great baud of brothers.’ “ Added to the influence ot this great tradition, is the personality of Sir John JelHcoe —assuredly the right man in the right place. Officers and men give him the most absolute trust and loyalty. He holds first control of every part of the. great fighting engine.’’