14 DECEMBER 1912, Page 3

The appointment of Prince Louis of Battenberg to succeed Sir

Francis Bridgeman as First Sea Lord commands approval both inside and outside the Navy. In this case there can be no shadow of suspicion that Prince Louis of Battenberg has won advancement because he is related to the Royal Family. His career in the Navy has been uniformly distinguished; he is credited with some brilliant strokes of initiative and resource in manoeuvres, and his administrative work has been of the highest quality. By sailors his professional skill is universally recognized.