The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1918-12-21
Commander of the British Navy
Praises Work Of Americans
in North Sea.
FOES SURRENDER "pITIFUL !"
Always Feared Germans Would Not
Come Out and ight--Delivers
Farewell Address on Battle
ship New York.

battleship squadron attached to the
British grand fleet displayed a spirit
of true comradeship throughout it's
period of service, declared Admiral Sir
David Beatty, the commander in, chief
of the grand fleet, in farewell address
on board the U. S. S. New York on
December l, the day the squadron was
detached from the grand fleet. All
hands had been called to muster on
the forecastle to hear Admiral Beatty.
After thanking the American officers
and men for their cooperation, Sir
David remarked that both the British
and the Americans were disappointed
at not having been able to meet the
German fleet. He declared that the
day the German fleet surrendered was
"a pitiful day to see." Sir David said
he had always had misgivings that the
Germans would never come out for a
finish fight and these misgivings had
been strengthened by the coming of
the American squadron.
Thanks Americans for Help.
II could not let the Sixth battle
squadron go without coming on board
the New York and saying something of
what feel at this moment Of your de-
parture," said Sir David. "What l say
hope you will understand comes from
the heart, not only my heart, but the
hearts of your comrades of the grand
fleet. / want first of all to thank you,
Admiral Rodman, and the captains and
officers, and the ships companies of
this magnificent squadron for the Won
derful cooperation and loyalty you
have given me and my admirals and
siahanas anvs ssve given usAins
every duty you have had to under
take.
The support which you have shown
is that Of true comradeship and in
time of stress that is worth a very
great deal. want to congratulate you
for having been present upon day I'M
surpassed in the naval annals of the
world
81 know quite well that you, as well
as your British comrades, were bitterly
disappointed at not being able to give
effect to that efficiency you have so
well maintained. 1t was a most disap-
pointing day 1t was pitiful day to
see those great ships coming in like
sheep being herded by dogs to their
fold without an effort on anybody's
part, but it was a day everybody could
be proud of.
Forced to Throw Up Hands.
Il have always had misgivings and
when the Sixth battle squadron became
part of the grand fleet, those mfsgiv-
ings We're doubly strengthened and
knew then they would throw up their
hands. Apparently the Sixth battle
squadron was the straw that broke the
camel's back.
During the last II months you have
been with US we have learned to know
each other very well. We have learned
to respect each other. want you to
take back a message to the Atlantic
feet that you have left very warm
place in the hearts of the grand fleet
which cannot be filled until you come
back or send another squadron to rep.
resent you. You have given us sam
Pile of the Atlantic fleet, which, think,
the Atlantic fleet, efficient as it is, will
find it very hard to reproduce.
II understand that you are now CO.
ing to Portland, where you are to get
leave. There is a duty to perform in
bringing your president to- these wa
tiers and then you will return to your
own shores. And / hope that in the
sunshine, which Admiral Rodman tells
me always shines there, you will not
forget your comrades Of the mist and
your pleasant association of the North
sea.
Calls North Sea Queer Place.
"This is queer place, as you have
found, but you are not the first to find
it out There once was great ex-
plorer, Marco Polo, who, after travel
ing over the world for 30 years, one
uuy IOullu HiuuSSil III Iut INOl III oCdI
and then went home and went to bed
and did not travel any more. trust
it will not have the same effect on any
of you, but can say that those of you
l have seen during the last IL months
seem to have improved in many ways,
IL there were possible, and ! think the
North sea has health=giving quality
which must be put against all it's bad
points, of which there are so many.
81 thank you again and again for the
great part the Sixth battle squadron
has played in bringing about the great
est naval victory in history. I hope
you will give this message to your COM
rades: Come back soon
"Good-by and good luck"