Official

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 54, 20 October 1914, Page 5

Official

[Fib Peeks Association.]

Wellington, October 10.

The Prime Minister has received the following cable from the High Commissioner, dated London, October 18, 6.40 p.m. :-~- Official.—The First Lord of the Admiralty has addressed the following message to the Royal Naval Division on its return from Antwerp:— "The First Lord welcomes the Royal Naval Division home from active service. The officers and men of all ranks and rating, have acquitted themselves admirably, and have thoroughly justified the, confidence resposed in them. The loss of a portion of the First Brigade, through a mistake, in no way reflects upon the quality and character of the division. The brigade of Royal Marines, throughout the operations, sustained fully by their firmness, discipline, and courage the traditions of their corps. It is not necessary to say more. The naval brigades bore themselves admirably under the artillery fire of the enemy, and it is to be resetted that no opportunities were afforded for closer contact with his infantry. "The despatch of the Naval Brigades to Antwerp interrupted, for a time, the progress of their instruction and training. They were chosen because the need was urgent and bitter; because mobile troops could not be spared for fortress dtities; because they were nearest, and could embark quickly; and because their training, although incomplete, was as far advanced as that of a large portion not only of tlio forces defending Antwerp, but of the enemy's forces attacking. The Naval Division was sent to Antwerp not as an isolated incident, but as part of large operations for the relief of the ciy, though other and more powerful considerations prevented this from being carried, through. The defence of the inner lines at Antwerp could have been sustained for some days, and the Naval Division was only withdrawn, when ordered, in obedience to the general strategic situation, and not on' account of the attack or pressure by the enemy.

"The prolongation of the defence, due to the arrival of the Naval Division, enabled the ships in the harbor to be rendered useless, and many steps of importance to be taken. It is too early now to judge what effect the delaying the event for five or six days of at least 60,000 Germans before Antwerp may have had upon the fortunes of the general battle southward. It was certainly powerful and helpful. "Apart from the military experiences, which have been invaluable, the division have been witnesses of the ruthlessness of the German foe toward a small innocent State. These facts should inspire all ranks to fit themselves in the shortest possible time for further service in the field, hot merely at fortress duty, but as mobile units. The Belgian people can never forget that men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines were with them in their darkest hour, as, please God, they may also be with them when Belgium is restored to her own by the armies of the Allies."