“Goodbye and Good Luck”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 324, 9 April 1928, Page 1

“Goodbye and Good Luck”

Collard and Dewar Part FRIENDS UNDER A CLOUD By Cable. —Press Association. — Copyright. Reed. 10.30 a.m. GIBRALTAR, Sunday. A STRIKING incident, illustrative of the Navy’s esprit de corps, occurred at the Bristol Hotel this morning. Rear-Admiral Collard was sitting in the lounge ready to depart for England when a visitor entered. “Why, it’s old Dewar!” exclaimed Collard, jumping to his feet. Captain Dewar had come to say farewell.

DOTH sat down and conversed for some minutes in a most friendly manner, and finally shook hands. “Good-bye, old man,” said Admiral Collard warmly. “Good luck,” replied Captain Dewar.

Subsequently Commander Daniel, calling to say good-bye, found that Admiral Collard had departed. He therefore left a note to be forwarded to him. Reed. 9.5 a.m. LONDON, Sunday. It is understood that the Admiralty intends carefully to consider the documents relating to the Royal Oak court-martial, to determine whether they disclose anything to justify a remission of the sentences imposed on Captain G. B. Dewar and Commander H. M. Daniel. The “Sunday Express” points out that both have brilliant records in gunnery, and the authorities have a natural reluctance to lose their services, in view of the vital importance of gunnery and the heavy cost of trainingexperts. A MISCONCEPTION In view of the misconception regarding Rear-Admiral Collard, the naval correspondent of the “Morning Post” points out that he has received the heaviest punishment possible. Following the letters from Captain Dewar and Commander Daniel, Admiral Sir Roger Keyes, COmmander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Station, ordered the Court of Inquiry to investigate, upon considering the report of this court, Sir Roger Keyes came to the conclusion that the conduct of all three officers was open to question, and he therefore relieved them of their respective duties. The Admiralty subsequently confirmed this action. “A BITTER BLOW” The correspondent continues: “RearAdmiral Collard, satisfied that he had acted with a lack of discretion and judgment, accepted the ruling of his Commander-in-Chief, hauled down his flag, and declined to hoist it temporarily on another ship, pending Admiralty confirmation. To him this was a bitter blow. Unfortunately his action had not been allowed to have the result hfe desired. Captain Dewar and Commander Daniel had not accepted the judgment of Sir Roger Keyes, and on arriving in England had asked for reinstatement to their ship or a courtmartial

“The Admiralty granted the courtmartial, the result of which is known. It is stated from Gibraltar that RearAdmiral Collard is still on full pay. Captain Dewar and Commander Daniel are going Home at their own expense. Captain Dewar’s half pay is about £6BO a year, and Commander Daniel’s £4OO.— A. and N.Z.