INDIAN NAVY BEING GREATLY INCREASED

Southland Times, Issue 24239, 24 September 1940, Page 6

INDIAN NAVY BEING GREATLY INCREASED

(British Official Wireless) RUGBY, September 22. In consequence of the steady growth of India’s naval strength, Vice-Admiral Fitzherbert, whose term of appointment as flag officer commanding the Royal Indian Navy has been extended for another year from November next, has under his command the most powerful naval force ever to keep guard in India’s own waters.

Indian shipyards are now working at the full capacity of the building slips available on the initial scheme of expansion. Australian shipyards are helping with the larger local naval defence craft. New and modern sloops from Britain will shortly further increase the offensive strength of the Indian naval forces.

Following the entry of Italy into the war, the personnel of the Indian Navy, which already has been expanded. by 200 per cent., since September 1939, is to be expanded still further. The security of the Red Sea route from India to the Middle East is strikingly illustrated by the fact that no fewer than 71 troop and military supply ships have proceeded without a single casualty from Indian ports .to their destination between September 1, 1939, and August 1, 1940. Nine hundred and forty-four special military trains were run to and from Indian ports in the first year of the war, and among the units which journeyed safely overseas on active service is the famous Bikaner Camel Corps.