ADMIRALS OF THE FLEET.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2002, 12 July 1919, Page 1

ADMIRALS OF THE FLEET.

A long list oJ.‘ flog appointments was announced by the Admiralty at the beginning of April. Reviewing the changes, the Naval and Military Record remarks that the special promotion of Lord Jellicoe and Sir David Beatty to the rank of Admiral of the Fleet is of peculiar interest, since it is the first time for over a century that this rank has been conferred as a recognition of services in action. Previous to 1863 there was rarely more than one Admiral of the Fleet on the active service list, but in that year three additional appointments were made, and with rare exceptions that figure has been maintained over since. As Sir David Beatty’s promotion took effect on April 3rd, and the Grand Fleet organisation continued until April 7th, the flagship Queen Elizabeth flew for four days the flag of an Admiral of the Fleet who was commanding-in-chief. This, it is believed, was a unique event in the annals of the service. Gratification at the promotion of these two officers to the highest rank in the service will be tempered by regret that their advancement disqualifies them —according to precedent —for further active work afloat. As an Admiral of the Fleet at 4S, Sir David Beatty terminates a career of almost unparalleled brilliance. It is, however, hardly conceivable that precedent would be allowed to deprive the country of his further services in an active capacity should another emergency confront us in the near future.