ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF FOR THE PERIOD 1st APRIL, 1941, TO 31st MARCH, 1942.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1942 Session I, H-05

H.—s.

1942. NEW ZEALAND.

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF FOR THE PERIOD 1st APRIL, 1941, TO 31st MARCH, 1942.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency the Governor-General. The Honourable the Minister of Defence. Navy Office, Wellington, Ist October, 1942. Sir, — I have the honour to address to you the following report on the Royal New Zealand Navy and proceedings on the New Zealand Station during the year Ist April, 1941, to 31st March, 1942. In view of present conditions this report has been considerably curtailed. 2. His Majesty the King graciously approved the proposal that the New Zealand Naval Forces should be designated the Royal New Zealand Navy. This honour is greatly appreciated, for it implies the recognition of the war services of our naval forces covering not only the loan personnel trained in the Royal Navy to whom we owe so much, but also those officers and men who entered the Service as New-Zealanders and of whom the Service at the present time predominantly consists. 3. Recruiting of personnel for continuous service has been maintained, and, in addition, a ready response has been received from volunteers for service for the period of hostilities in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Personnel surplus to our requirements have been made available to the Royal Navy. The Imperial Government have advised that New Zealand candidates serving in the Royal Navy have been most satisfactory and have maintained a high standard of training. 4. Throughout the year the ships and personnel of the Royal New Zealand Navy have been employed on active operations against the enemy. On 7th February, 1942, the combined naval forces of the Australian and the New Zealand areas were established under a single command, which, by agreement with the United States of America, was exercised by Vice-Admiral H. F. Leary, United States Navy, with the title " Commander, Anzac Force." This, however, has since been amended, and New Zealand ships are now operated by Vice-Admiral R. G. Ghormley, United States Navy, the Commander, South Pacific Area, who is establishing his headquarters at Auckland. 5. The shore establishments in New Zealand have performed essential and valuable work in the maintenance and repair of ships. In addition to naval ships, the defensive equipment of merchant ships has been repaired and new and additional equipment fitted as necessary. Atwell Lake, Commodore, Chief of the Naval Staff. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (423 copies), £1 15s.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 942.

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