NAVY PLAYS AT WAR

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 613, 15 March 1929, Page 9

NAVY PLAYS AT WAR

AN IMPRESSIVE SPECTACLE MEDITERRANEAN FLEET (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) LONDON, Thursday. The manoeuvres of the Third Battle Squadron of the Mediterranean Fleet were carried out to-day. A special representative of the Australian and New Zealand Dress Association went on board the battleship Marlborough lor the manoeuvres before she left Barcelona. The enthusiasm of everybody was impressive. As the squadron steamed out of Barcelona the men on all the ships were agog with excitement in view of the forthcoming mimic battle between the flagship Benbow, the Marlborough, the Emperor of India, and a flotilla comprising nine destroyers. War conditions were very strictly observed. There were no lights showing except stern lights. As it was known that the waspish destroyers were in ambush a very keen watch was maintained on board the battleships. Suddenly the Benbow, ahead of the Marlborough, focussed her searchlights on the speeding destroyers half a mile away. Then the Marlborough illuminated the Emperor of India. Following upon that the booming of guns shattered the silence, and dazzling searchlights swept the destroyers dotted on the horizon. The destroyers’ manoeuvring ability was marvellous. They turned and zigzagged incessantly. The operations lasted half an hour. The destroyers were adjudged to have effected a splendid attack. The pitch dark night proved most favourable to them.

On arriving at Pollensa Bay the ships were anchored to await the complete Mediterranean Fleet. Then the lu.l manoeuvres will be begun.