The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1918-12-18
Sixth Battle Squadron Was
Straw That Broke the
Camel's Back
DEEPLY REGRETS
LACK OF ACTION
"Pitiful Day" When Ger
man Ships Came in Like
Sheep to Fold .
(By Associated Press. }

London, Dec. 1s.-The American
battleship squadron attached to the
British grand feet displayed spirit
Of true cornradeship throughout its
period of service. declared Admiral
Sir David Beatty, the commander
tn-chief OF the Grand Fleet. in
farewell address on board the u. s.
S. New York on Dec. 1. the day the
squadron was detached from the
Grand Fleet. All hands had been
called TO muster on the forecastle
to hear Admiral Beatty.
IL could not let the sixth battle
squadron go without coming on
board the New. York and saying
something of what feel at this mo-
ment OF your departure" said Sir
David. II had intended to ask Ad-
miral Rodman to permit me to say
something to the representatives Of
all the ships OF the Sixth battle
squadron on board his flagship, but
the exigencies Of the service have
not permitted it. Therefore, as Ad-
miral Rodman has suggested, what I
say to you l hope you will promul-
gate to your comrades in the other
ships and also to your comrades of
the Atlantic feet.
Comes From Heart
What say hope you viii un-
derstand comes from the heart. not
only my heart. but the hearts of
your comrades of the Grand Fleet.
want first to thank you, Admiral
Rodman, and the captain and off,
GERS and the ships companies Of
this magnificent squadron for the
wonderful cooperation and loyalty
you have given us in every duty you
had to undertake.
1.-THE support which you have
shown is that Of true comradeship.
T know quite well that you. as
well as your brother comrades were
bitterly disappointed at not being
able TO give effect to that efficiency
you have so we'll maintained. It
was a most disappointing day. 1t was
a pitiful day to see those great ships
coming in Ike sheep herded by dogs
to their fold without an effort on
anybody's part. but 1t was a day
everybody could be proud Of.
"I have always had misgivings
and when the Sixth battle squadron
became part OF the Grand Fleet,
strengthened and knew then they
would throw up their hands. Appar-
emily the Sixth battle squadron was
the straw that broke the camels
back.
However, the. disappointment that
the Grand Fleet was unable to strike
their blow for the freedom of the
world is counteracted by the fact
that it was their prestige alone that
brought about the achievement.
Know Each Other Well
During the last twelve months
you have been with us we have
nH ~ oh ~St
have learned to respect each other
I want you to take back a message
to the Atlantic Fleet that you have
left a warm place in the hearts OF
the Grand Fleet which cannot
be filled until you come back or send
another squadron to represent you.
You have given US sample OF the
Atlantic Fleet which, think. the
Atlantic Fleet. efficient as II is. Will
find it hard to reproduce.
"T understand that you are now
going to Portland where you are to
get leave. There is a duty to per-
form in bringing your president to
these waters and then you viii d re-
turn to your own shores. And hope
that in the sunshine. which Admiral
Rodman tells me always shines
there. you will not forget your com
rades OF the mist and your pleasant
associations OF the North Sea.
"This Is queer place. as you have
found. but you are not the first TO
find it out. There once was q great
explorer, Marco Polo, who after
travelling over the world for thirty
years. one day found himself in the
North Sea and then went home and
went to bed and did not travel any
more. I trust it will not have the
same effect on any OF YOU. but can
say that those Of you / have seen
during the last twelve months seem
to have improved in many ways. If
that were possible. and think the
North Sea has q health giving quail
ity which must be put against all its
bad points OF which there are SO
many.
IL thank you again for the great
part the Sixth battle squadron has
played in bringing about the greatest
naval victory in history. / hope you
viii give this message to your COM
rades: Come back soon
Good bye and good luck"