ROYAL OAK SENTENCES

Taranaki Daily News, 10 April 1928, Page 9

ROYAL OAK SENTENCES

SUGGESTION OF REMISSION SUFFERING OF THE ADMIRAL RELIEVED OF HTS POSITION By Telegraph— Brees Assn.—Copyright. A. and N.Z. London, April 8, It is undersfootl that the Admiralty intends carefully to consider the documents relating to the Royal Oak courtmartial to determine whether they disclose anything to justify the remission of the sentences imposed on Captiin Dewar and Commander Daniel. The Sunday Express points out that both have brilliant records in gunnery, The authorities will have a natural reluctance to lose their services, in view . of the vital importance of gunnery ani the heavy cost of training experts. In view of the misconceptions regarding Admiral Collard the Morning Post naval correspondent points out that he has received the heaviest punishment possible. Following the letters from Captain Dewar and Commander Daniel, Sir Roger Keyes ordered a court of inquiry to investigate. Upon considering the report of this court Admiral Keyes reached the conclusion that the conduct of all three officers was open to question, therefore he relieved them of their respective duties. The Admiralty subsequently confirmed this action. Admiral Collard was satisfied that he had acted with a lack of discretion and judgment, accepted the ruling of tha Commender-in-Chief. hauled down his flag and declined to hoist it temporarily on another ship, pending the Admiralty’s confirmation. To him this was a bitter blow. Unfortunately his action has not been allowed to have the result he desired. , Captain Dewar and Commander Daniel did not accept the judgment of Admiral Keyes and, on arriving in England, asked for reinstatement, on their ehip by a court-martial. The Admiralty granted the court-martial and the result is known. It is stated from Gibraltar that Admiral Collard is still on full pay. Captain Dewar and Commander Daniel are going home at their own expense, Captail Dewar’s half pay is about £686 pee • annum and that of Commander Daniel £406. A.P.A.-United Service. Gibraltar. April 7 A striking incident, illuistrativo of the navy’s eeprit-dc-corpe occurred at the Bristol Hotel this morning. Admiral Co Ha rd was sitting in the lounge ready to depart for England when a. visitor entered, "Why, it’s old Dewar,” exclaimed Admiral Collard, jumping to his feet. Captain Dewar had come to cay farewell. Both «at down and conversed for some minutes in the most friendly manner, and finally shook hands. “Goodbye, old man,” said Admiral Collard warmly. “Good luck,” replied Daniel Dewar. Subsequently Commander Daniel, calling to eay boodbye, found that Admiral Collard had departed, He therefore left a note to be forwarded to the rearadmiral.