equipment of
their ships, and to the ability, loyalty, and
technical skill displayed by Masters and Officers
in carrying out Admiralty regulations which,
though tending to the safety of the vessels from
submarine risks, enormously increased the strain
and anxiety of navigation. The loyal observance of
these precautions has been the more commendable
since the need for absolute secrecy, on which
safety largely depended, has prevented the reasons
for their adoption being in all cases disclosed.

"Further, the Convoy System, which has played such
an important part in frustrating the designs of
the enemy and securing the safe passage of the
United States Army, could never have attained its
success but for the ability and endurance
displayed by Masters, Officers, and crews of the
Merchant Service forming these Convoys. This
system has called for the learning and practising
of a new science--that of station-keeping--the
accuracy of which has depended in no small measure
on the adaptability and skill of the Engineers and
their Departments.

"Their Lordships also desire to acknowledge the
ready response of Owners to the heavy calls made
on the Merchant Service for Officers and men to
meet the increasing requirement of the Navy. On
board our ships of every type, from the largest
Dreadnought down to the smallest Patrol Boat are
to be found Officers and men of the Merchant Navy
who have combined with those of the Royal Navy in
fighting the enemy and defeating his nefarious
methods of warfare at sea.

"The Merchant Service and the Royal Navy have
never been so closely brought together as during
this War. In the interests of our glorious Empire
this connection must prove a lasting one."

The Resolution of Parliament of August 6, 1919, placed upon record--

"That the thanks of this House be accorded to the
officers and men of the Mercantile Marine for the
fine and fearless seamanship by which our people
have been preserved from want and our cause from
disaster."

INDEX

ABERDEEN, 82

Admiralty, xiii, 11,