British mourn sudden death of naval chief
Lauded as man who created two-ocean fleet
By William H. Stoneman
London, England –
High figures in British public life and the entire British press joined today in paying their respects to the late Frank Knox, whose sudden death was first announced to the British public over the radio at 9:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. ET) last night.
Every newspaper in the realm reported the news in extensive front-page stories and paid tribute to the late Navy Secretary and publisher as “the man who gave America its two-ocean fleet.”
All joined in recalling his clearsighted attitude toward Hitler, Mussolini and Japan long before the United States entered the war; his energetic efforts to obtain full aid for Britain and his unrelenting efforts to speed up construction of the U.S. Fleet after he had joined the Roosevelt Cabinet.
Memorial services set
Few public figures, British or American, have received such united tributes from the British press upon their passing.
Arrangements have been made by Adm. Harold R. Stark, U.S. naval commander in the European Theater, for a memorial service Monday at St. Mark’s Church. Representatives of the British and U.S. Armed Forces, the British government and Mr. Knox’s many personal friends now in London will be present.
One of the most striking tributes paid and one which Mr. Knox would have appreciated most deeply was that of A. V. Alexander, First Lord of the Admiralty, whom Mr. Knox met when he visited London last winter.
‘Heavy loss suffered’
He said:
The Allied cause has suffered a very heavy loss in the unexpected passing of Col. Frank Knox. Both before and after Pearl Harbor, he proved himself to be a great friend to those who were fighting for the cause of freedom.
From the moment when the President included him in his administration, Col. Knox worked with might and main for the great American Navy and had a great share in the building up of that strength which is exercising such an influence along the road to victory.
We have constantly maintained a clear understanding and complete cooperation. His name will be treasured by all the friends of the American Navy and we in Britain feel that we have lost a personal friend. His example of devoted service will continue to inspire us to the end of the road.
Sends sympathy
Immediately upon receiving news of Mr. Knox’s death, the following signal was sent by Mr. Alexander to the Navy Department in Washington:
Greatly distressed at news of unexpected death of Col. Knox. I was looking forward to seeing him next month. On behalf of Board of Admiralty and the whole of the Royal Navy, I send our sympathy with U.S. Navy and Navy Department in their great loss.
Adm. Stark, a good friend of long standing, expressed his regret in the following statement:
Not only has the Navy lost its greatest Secretary and a great fighting heart, but also Britain has lost one of her staunchest friends overseas. The Navy will feel very keenly his passing because of his great understanding and sympathy with naval personnel and their problems, as well as the country’s naval needs.
Lauded by Winant
Another tribute came from U.S. Ambassador John G. Winant, once his stout opponent in New Hampshire politics and later, after they had both become deeply concerned in winning the war, his friend.
The Ambassador said:
The many friends that Frank Knox had in Great Britain deeply feel his loss. We who knew him at home shall miss a brave soldier and a great Secretary of the Navy.