The Naval Review Because of the Navy's unceasing duties in
every part of the world, not least in Spanish waters, the great assemblage of 145 warships that the King reviewed on Thursday was only part of a force which even in peace time cannot be concen- trated in a single area. Yet, since most of the ships of the Home and Mediterranean Fleets were present, a thoroughly representative panorama of British sea-power was displayed, while the liners and fishing vessels represented the other indispensable Sea Service. The Review included a few of the latest products of rearmament, but many of the assembled warships either served in the War or represent immediate post-War design. The display invites comparison with the last Coronation Review, held on June 24th, 1911. Perhaps the most striking innovation is the presence of four aircraft- carriers, several minesweepers and a net-layer, none of which types were represented on that occasion. In 1911 there were only 8 submarines present, none larger than 60o tons ; in 1937_ there are 22, nine of them between 1,30o and 1,850 tons. On the other hand, the 36 capital ships of 1911 have dwindled to only 11. There were then no warships repre- senting the Dominions or India. Their presence this week at Spithead is a particularly appropriate concomitant of an Imperial Conference which has defence at the head of its agenda.
* * *
Previous page
