The Naval Manceuvres came to a close on Monday morning.
Their object, as officially stated, was "to ascertain as far as possible the extent of the danger which threatens a fleet com- pelled by strategic exigencies to move within the radius of action of strong hostile torpedo-craft flotillas, but having the advantage of a superiority of force over the enemy in battle- ships and cruisers, and the support of equally strong torpedo- craft flotillas of its own." The verdict of the umpires has not yet been pronounced, but it is generally anticipated that it will be to the effect that the danger in question was overcome, and that the double journey of the Blue Fleet from Land's End to Lough Swilly and back under the protection of the three flotillas commanded by Captain Charlton has demon- strated the capacity of destroyers to protect a fleet from the attack of torpedo boats. The Manceuvres have tested the sea- going qualities of the 'River' class of destroyers in bad weather with most satisfactory results. On behalf of the Red Fleet, it is contended that knowledge of the presence of sub- marines at Red's principal base had a deterrent effect on the Blue side, and interfered with their blockading tactics. Special praise is given to the exploit of the destroyer 'Dement,' which succeeded in torpedoing the cruiser 2Eolus ' off the Scilly Isles in a fierce gale with a heavy sea running.
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