The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1918-12-18
COMEBACK
FAREWELL WORD
Commander. in.Chief OF Brit
ish Grand Fleet Tells Amer.
leans Goodbye.
MESSAGE FROM H E ART
Thanks Sailors and Officers
for Co. -0peration--Their
Prestige Alone Won Day.


London. Dec. iS.--Tho American
battleship squadron attached to the
British grand fleet displayed spirit
OF true comradeship throughout Its
period of service. declared Admiral
Sir David Beatty. the commandments
chief of the grand fleet, In a fare
well address on board the u. $. =.
New York on Dec. J., 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 Of
fcers and men for their cooperation.
Sir David remarked that both the
British and the Americans were dis
appointed at not having been able to
meet the German fleet. He declared
that the day the German fleet sur
rendered was a ''pitifpl 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 strength
ened by the coming of the American
squadron.
IL could not let the Sixth battle
squadron go without coming on bodrd
the New York and saying something
Of what feel at this moment OF your
departure." said Sir David.
Comes From the Heart.
"What say to you ] hope you will
promulgate to your comrades In the
other ships and also to your COM
rades of the Atlantic fleet.
What I say hope you will UNDER
stand. 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
squadron for the wonder
full CO. operation and loyalty you have
given me and my admirals and tho
assistance you have given us In ev-
cry duty you have had to undertake.
"The' support which you have
shown is that Of true comradeship
and in time of stress that Is worth
great deal.
"I know quite we'll that you. as
well as your British comrades, we're
disappointed at not being
able to give effect to that efficiency
YOU have so well maintained. 1t was
q most disappointing day. 1t was a
pitiful day to see those great ships
coming In like sheep being herded
by dogs to their fold without an ef-
fort on anybody's part but 1t was
day everybody could be proud Of.
\ II have always had misgivirGs.
and when the sixth battle squadron
1aea 2sEs e the .;,,| sTsnd 4ees; tncse
and knew then they would throw
up their hands. Apparently the
sixth battle squadron was the straw
that broke the camers back.
Won by Prestige Alone.
However. the disappointment that
the grand fleet was unable to strike
their blow for the freedom OF the
world is counteracted by the TACT
that it was their prestige alone that
brought about this achievement.
During the last twelve months
you have been With us we have
learned to know each other very wei.
We have learned to respect each
other. want you to take back
message TO the Atlantic feet that you
have left II very warm place in the
hearts of the grand feet which can
not be filled until you come back or
send another squadron to represent
you. You have given us sample or
the Atlantic fleet which. think, the
Atlantic fleet efficient as it is will
find very hard to reproduce.
Comrades Of the Mist"
IT understand that you are now
going to Portland, where you are to
ect leave. There is a duty to per-
form in bringing your president to
.hese waters and then you will return
% your own shores. And hope that
IA the sunshine which, Admiral Rod
nan tells me. always shines there.
you will not forget your comrades of
he mist and your pleasant associa-
ions of the North sea"
After thanking the Americans
lgain, Sir David concluded:
II hope you will give this message
o your comrades: Come back soon.'
iood- bye and good luck"