JELLLIOE AND HIS MEN.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 158, 8 July 1916, Page 2

JELLLIOE AND HIS MEN.

A Russian journalist, who recently inspected the British Fleet, writes as follows of Admiral Jcllicce and his men:—“ln Russia Sir John Jellicoe is a national hero, almost a national idol. Our children cherish -his photograph, and know his features by heart. Yet when we were at last confronted by the man who directs the immense destiny of the British forces on the seas I could hardly believe my eyes. He seemed much too simple and modest and genial a personality to be at the helm of such a terrible and tremendous machine as the British Navy. And yet, when I asked him if it was true that he had written a personal letter to a little English girl ■who had sent a gift to the Fleet, he told me that •every day he had similar letters to write to hi s children friends at home. Nevertheless the evidence of his power and strength of character w r as everywhere—in the discipline, efficiency and quickness one saw in the conduct of his officers and men. Best of all I liked the British sailors. I talked to many of thorn, and they talked to me, and showed me their quarters, and their cheerful mottoes and notices on the wall, and the ingenious toys they had made out of battle splinters. My body still aches from the heartiness of their many f.iendly slaps on the shoulder. They are splendid, handsome fellows, full of optimism, courage, and high spirits, doing their work as quickly, cheerfully and enthusiastically as if they were, playing a game—as indeed they are! I met one sailor who had jumped overboard in the coldest weatrer and risked his life to save a drowning dog. , And there was a little midshipman I talked to whose relatives live only four hours’ journey away, bht who had not been able to see them for eight months, sc arduous were his duties. But he was quite cheepful, taking everything in good part, and recognising that it was all part of v the game he. and his friends had set themselves to play.”