ADMIRALTY CHANGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 January 1918, Page 6

ADMIRALTY CHANGES.

6UGGESTED MEANING. SCOr'E FOR YOUNGER ME* 1 United Service. London, Jan. S. « The unfavorable public feeling in the 1 handling of the navy was acutely re I vived by the destruction of the convoys ' on October 10 and December 12 which ' the official explanations did not efface, J and also by the misadventures at sea, the cumulative effect of which justified • the prevalent belief that the Admiralty ; lacked energy and foresight. The crowning justification for the present changes, ' which go far beyond the limits of the J present announcements, is. however, the ( overwhelming importance of effectively ; grappling with submarines,, which younger seamen are convinced they can en- , tirely overcome if they are given a free j hand In a leading article the Times says that Admiral Sir John Jellieoe's retirement implies extensive Admiralty changes, giving full scope to the younger school of seamen, whose war experience enables them to conduct naval warfare vigorously, resourcefully, and progressively, Their advent is in full accord with the navy's spirit and tradition during a long war. though it represents a break in the seniority system existing for the last 100 years. It does not slight, the services of the older admirals, especially Jellicoe, who commanded in n trying period, showing admirable battle leadership, though it is doubtful whether his qualities of seamanship were equally successful. Admiral Sir Rosslyn Wemyss is chiefly known publicly for his excellent work at the landing and subsequent evacuation of Gallipoli. He is a man of wide interests, unfailing good humor, and an excellent fighter, and is in thorough sympathy with the younger generation o'' the navy. He is a great grandson of William IV. He is best described as an admiral with an inside reputation and a popular social personality. He is unknown to the public. His family estates adjoin those of Sir Douglas Haig in Fifeshire. .-'':■ _ I The newspapers 'suggest that additional developments and disclosures are pending at the Admiralty. The Daily Mail states that it cannot, pretend to'regret Jellieoe's retirement, j Recent events," some of which were not known to the public, made it inevitable. Sir Eric iumdes deserved the nation's thanks for not shrinking from a painful duty. Jellicoe achieved a high technical proficiency, but his qualities did not, fit him for the position of First Sea Lord and the guidance of the naval war, which was lacking in initiative, flexibility, and foresight. Younger officers will have greater opportunties to make good under Womys*. The Westminster Gazette says:—"Jellieoe's work in sweeping the enemy oft the seas ends with the assurance that a great new force can he transported i "across the Atlantic. He resisted the . templing projects favored by the youngi e.- school because he felt that his first ' duty was making the sea position secure. 1 A military commander might risk an •■ army corps by following up a retreating L force, but tlie critics of Jellicoe over--1 look the fact that disaster to the Grand ' Fleet would mean irretrievable ruin to the allied cause. If he had followed the ' Germans at Jutland he would have risked annihilation by the minefields and 1 submarines." [ The Tall Mall Gazette states that Jellicoe will be remembered as having . stamped the British naval supremacy j upon the war. From the commencement L Germany's measure of his capacity has , been shown by the fact that her fleet has t skulked in her harbors. Mr. Gerard Fiennes, the well-known r naval writer, explaining the possibilities of the new departures in naval policy, . states that the United States Navy is ; now in line with ours.