In the House of Commons on Tuesday the First Lord
of the Admiralty made a statement on the ' Royal Oak courts martial which we think must, satisfy every reason- able person. He announced that in the opinion of the Admiralty, Rear-Admiral -Collard, Though dealing with trifling matters, behaved ." in a- manner unbecoming his position and showed himself unfit for further high com- mand." Admiral Collard is therefore placed on the retired list. Although this decision will be' regarded by the- public as necessary in the circumstances, no one who remembers Admiral Collard's distinguished services at the Dardanelles and in the Dover Patrol, and- his high professional skill as a gunnery officer, will fail to be saddened by . such a punishment, which was brought about by nothing but defects of temperament. • * * * *
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