NEW "MYSTERY SHIPS."

Taranaki Daily News, 13 February 1917, Page 3

NEW "MYSTERY SHIPS."

AUSTRALIAN'S TRIBUTE "T saw some of the new myslcry ships tliat have been built for the Admiralty," writes ii lieutenant from a battle-cruiser in the Grand Fleet, who left Australia with the Australian Imperial Forces. "They arc huge, beautiful things, and are credited with wonderful speed. I wonder what the lluns will think when they see them. I know what I thought." The lieutenant explains that the Admiralty allows one military officer aboard cc-rtnin ships which have accommodation, and after leaving hospital for a fortnights' furlough, he was fortunate enevgh to obtain a permit to spend 10 day.-; with the fleet. "I've had every opportunity of viewing the various squadrons at work and at ph'.y,' 'he writes. ''lt is just ripping to see the way everything is carried out. Though there has been no actual fighting, there is a lot taking place. We have had it very cold and rough, with occasional gales and snow blizzards, including fogs. The captain never leaves the Inidgc while the vessel is steaming. The navy is carrying out dangerous and remarkable operations, for which it seldom receives the praise due to it. We are now quite close to Willy's headquarters. One day T had an opportunity of witnessing part of the fleet at battle practice. The ships fired all their heavy guns at -towed targets. The noise was deafening, and was glad to stuff cotton wool in my'ears to deaden the sound. The lljm fleet is keeping well within the minefields, and, has seldom left its base since the last actionV'-, ....., . ..