THE "BRITANNIA" IN THE 'NINETIES.
Captain Digby--Alleged Gross Bullying--A Lively Correspondence--
Various Uninvited Opinions--A Gleam of Light from Within--"Old
Etonian" and Admiral Richards--Captain Digby Sums up the Case--
"Navilus": His Book--Morning Amenities--"One Day's 'Four'"--A
Typical Day--The Hardships of "Four"--A Day in the _Wave_--"A
Nice Fresh Breeze"--Reefing Topsails--"Man Overboard"--Comfort for
Mothers--A Trip in a Skiff--Forbidden Joys--A "Slippery Hitch"--A
Half-holiday--Tea with "Ma Fox"--A Sunday Outing--"Fearful
Fagging"--The "Baby's" Final Aspirations--Captain Moore--A Hot
Reformer--Lieutenants as "Sea-Daddies"--Abolition of Cadets'
Corporals--Chief of the Staff--Naval Warrant Officers--New Admiralty
Regulations--The _Racer_ Arrives--Ship Struck by Lightning--Jubilee
Day--The Queen's Medal--Captain Marryat's Spectacles--Cadets' Food--A
Hard Case!--Remarkable Physical Development--Influenza Epidemic--An
Ill-informed Parent--Ridiculous Allegations--Visit of the King and
Queen--John Gilpin--"Ye Mariners of England"--Captains in the
'Nineties.
The 'nineties were still very young when Captain Digby--who, as has
been stated, was appointed in 1889--found himself confronted by a
disciplinary problem somewhat difficult of solution.
Captain Digby would be considered by those who knew him to be an ideal
commander for an institution like the _Britannia_. Of a most agreeable
personality, combining great kindliness with the capacity for a due
amount of severity if needed, he appeared to be cut out for the work;
and yet it was his lot to bring to light a rascally sort of bullying
which had, as he himself admits, been going on for a long time, and to
be made the object of repeated attacks in the columns of the _Times_;
for there was a very lively correspondence, to say nothing of leading
articles, on the subject, and all sorts of people had their shot at
the training-ship, some of whom did not very well understand what they
were talking about.
The _Times_ opens the ball with a leader on September 30th, 1891, in
which it is roundly asserted that such doings are only possible in
the _Britannia_--a crude sort of statement, and only permissible after
a very thorough investigation. "Wykehamist," eager to disparage the
_Britannia_ as compared with public schools, joins in the same strain,
though goodness knows there have been gruesome tales told of these
from time to time. He says, with some truth, that the difference in
age between the cadet captains and the other boys is too slight, and
that supervision by superiors is the only safeguard. The cadet
corporals were still in existence at this time, and it is quite easy
to conceive that if these were lax some evil-disposed cadets might
initiate bullying and other practices of a worse nature without much
chance of their reaching the captain's ears, at any rate for a
considerable time.
The principal indictment was to the effect that the elder cadets
"fagged" the younger for money, that this was constantly extorted by
means of menaces and cruel treatment; and there is no doubt that it
was true, though probably not practised to the extent which was
alleged by some.
"E." says that where bullying exists it is entirely the captain's
fault. Let a suitable captain be appointed, and remain as long as his
services are not required elsewhere, and let him select his own junior
officers.
This is all very well, but there are many who hold the view that it is
not desirable to keep one man too long in command, and certainly there
are not wanting instances where, in similar institutions, a long
period under one command has resulted in "grooviness" and a sort of
fool's paradise, to be rudely exposed by an energetic successor.
"A. L. M."--an old _Britannia_ boy--says that in his time a cadet was
dismissed for "fagging" a junior to steal a letter containing a money
order; this, however, cannot but be regarded as a flagrant instance of
individual depravity such as may be encountered in any school. If the
initials of the writer are genuine, his time in the training-ship goes
back a long way, somewhere in the 'sixties. He appears to hold a poor
opinion of the cadets of those days, and says the captains were as bad
as the rest.
On October 14th Admiral Sir Nowell Salmon and "Through the Mill" come
to the rescue, and stoutly defend the _Britannia_, pointing out that,
judging from the officers eventually turned out, the ship cannot be a
sink of iniquity such as is represented, and that bullying will always
go on to a certain extent among a number of boys.
On the 17th the editor of the _Western Morning News_, who appears to
be particularly anxious to show up the _Britannia_ in an unfavourable
light, replies that "Through the Mill" takes much too rosy a view of
the matter, and that fagging and bullying go on to an extent which
would not be tolerated in any public school.
On October 19th a gleam of light from within is afforded by "Olim
Miles," who quotes a letter from his son in the _Britannia_: "About
the fagging for money, two or three cadets have been found out to be
practising this disgraceful form of larceny, and have consequently
been shunned by everyone who calls himself a gentleman."
[Illustration: CAPTAIN N. S. F. DIGBY.
(Now Vice-Admiral N. S. F. Digby.)
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
This is much more likely to be a true statement of the case. The
youngster tacitly admits that there may have been others who were not
detected, but the general feeling of the bulk of the cadets on the
subject is, no doubt, quite truthfully represented; indeed, one could
not imagine it possible that it could be otherwise.
However, this simple statement did not stem the tide.
"Another Wykehamist" follows with an assertion of his conviction that
the tone is low in spite of favourable appearances; and, among other
things, he deprecates the method of corporal punishment by means of a
cane over tightened flannel trousers, and says he is not satisfied as
to discipline, supervision, and moral training, etc.
October 20th, Admiral G. H. Richards is down upon the last writer,
asking, very pertinently, what right he has to expect to be
"satisfied" on these points; says the best proof of the efficiency of
the _Britannia_ is the officers she turns out; he has had two sons
there, and never found any cause of complaint.
On October 22nd, Mr. T. Gibson Bowles, M.P., stands up for the ship,
and "Through the Mill" replies at length to the editor of the _Western
Morning News_, winding up by advising parents to send their sons to
"one of the best schools in England."
"Old Etonian" says that Admiral Richards naturally avoids reference to
corporal punishment and "second class" punishment, which are brutal.
Would it not be possible to give the headship to a man used to boys,
and with some ideas of managing them beyond the stick and the "second
class"?
One does not quite see why the Admiral should "naturally" avoid
reference to corporal punishment, etc. Probably his sons were well
conducted, and did not need severe measures which, indeed, were not
often resorted to; but in expressing his satisfaction with the ship as
a school for his boys he must in common reason be held to approve the
whole scheme, including the punishments alluded to when they are
needed. The last sentence of "Old Etonian's" letter, as quoted above,
can only be classified as impertinent ignorance--or ignorant
impertinence, whichever may be deemed most suitable. His ideas are
based on a conviction that no one except a public school master knows
anything about the management of boys; which is a great error. There
are plenty of men--and a large proportion among the officers of the
Navy--who have a natural capacity in this respect, which becomes
apparent directly they get their opportunity; and there are others--in
public schools as well as elsewhere--who have been managing boys all
their lives, and have never done it decently.
These are truisms; but in reply to a man who will venture to hold up
to ridicule, as a sort of bugbear with a big stick, such men as
Captain Digby and other captains of the _Britannia_, truisms appear to
be necessary.
Admiral Richards replies, October 26th, that officers of education,
ability, and life-long experience of discipline are the best men to
train young officers in their own service, and asks what Wykehamists
and Etonians would say if he and others of his service were to dictate
as to the management of public schools.
[Illustration: A GROUP OF CAPTAINS (CHRISTMAS, 1890).
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
The editor of the _Western Morning News_ writes again on October 27th,
reiterating his former statements, which he apparently discounts,
however, by a quotation from a letter written by the father of one of
the cadets who was expelled by Captain Digby. He says that his son and
his contemporaries went through it when first they joined, and had
their turn at fagging afterwards; and then, seeing that he has, by
implication, convicted his son of bullying, proceeds to describe how
"one penny was exacted, in a thoroughly good-humoured way, from boys
passing a certain bridge; but there was no thrashing or bullying used
to extort it."
Captain Digby, for his part, says frankly:--"It had, no doubt, been
going on for a long time, and, owing to the reticence of youth, it
took me a year to get to the bottom of it; but I finally succeeded in
getting rid of the principal culprits."
No doubt the "reticence of youth" is a very important factor in all
such cases, and it would be safe to assume also that the captain had
not been too well served by some of his subordinates, who were either
lax in supervision or failed to realise the importance of a growing
evil.
This was one of the unsatisfactory cycles or phases through which most
schools periodically pass; indeed, it is said that they have recurred
with great regularity, and each time, no doubt, experience has
dictated some new measures for the future suppression of
irregularities.
As a picture of "The _Britannia_ from Within," a little booklet
written by a cadet a year or two later may very well be quoted from
here. It is styled "H.M.S. _Britannia_, the Cradle of the Royal Navy:
by one of the Babies," and sets forth in a light vein the experiences
of a few days in the life of a cadet:--
THE PREFACE
Being that part of a book which is seldom or never read, why need
I write one? It does not seem much in my line; but I may as well
remark that these notes, scribbled at odd times, are published at
the request of my friends, and dedicated
To My Mother
By Navilus.
Let us follow our "Baby" throughout one of his specimen days:--
"5.25 a.m.--Bump! Bother the corporal!
'Now then, Mr. Jones, time for you to turn out.'
So Jones has 'twos' again, poor chap! But I wish the corporal
would not bump against my hammock when he is waking other fellows.
I can hear Jones softly swearing to himself as he gets into his
clothes, and I thank my stars that I still have time for another
snooze.
* * * * *
Hullo! There go five bells already, and the bugle. Never mind; the
fourth term go first through the bath.
Time now, however. I struggle for'ard, half asleep, through the
bath. All the fellows come up by degrees. Ugh! how cold the water
is! But it has the effect of waking us up pretty quickly. How nice
it is to be out and drying. I mean to be dressed in good time
to-day, as I have had enough punishments lately.
Now to wash. This time the water is too hot, and it is five
minutes before I can bear it. Jones, having completed his
punishment, is washing alongside me.
There's Smith at his tricks again--throwing water as usual, and a
cold stream pours down my back. I _must_ go for him. Another five
minutes' delay. I fall into conversation with Jones, and am giving
him good advice about his various shortcomings, when first warning
goes. We hurriedly complete our ablutions, and go to our chests.
Second warning. Not half dressed, and here comes the corporal--bad
luck to him--with his pencil and paper.
'Clear off the sleeping deck, there! Now then, Mr. Martin, late
again as usual; go on deck before breakfast, sir,' and my name is
entered on the fateful bit of paper.
Jones is nearly dressed, and is at present engaged in his
devotions. The corporal stares at him, but proceeds on his way. I
have to go on the middle deck carrying my boots, and put them on
there. Just time to lace them up before the bugle sounds 'Fall
in,' and the officer of the day begins his inspection. This over,
we march to the messroom to do an hour's preparation. The Euclid
is awfully hard; I am afraid I shan't know it.
Bugle sounds 'Dismiss studies.' I will not go on deck yet. The
corporal's memory may fail him, or he may be in a soft mood and
let me off. We all sit down, awaiting grace. My spirits rise. But
behold! the corporal's legs appear descending the hatchway, and
worse still, his burly form follows them! 'Now then, sir'
(addressing me), 'go up and fall in on the 'alf deck.'
There is no help for it, so I take up my cap and reluctantly obey.
Lieutenant A---- is the officer of the day, so he will let me off
easy, perhaps. The corporal salutes and addresses him: 'Mr.
Martin, sir, for not being dressed by second warning.'
The lieutenant asks if I have any excuse to offer: I have none,
and he orders me a day's 'four.' This is a fairly easy punishment,
and I return to breakfast somewhat consoled. I expect all the
rolls have been bagged; but I find that Grey, who sits next me,
has secured me three. I thank him and fall to. Here come the
sausages round, followed by ham, and a choice of tea or cocoa.
Sausages are all very well in their way, but they make you
horribly thirsty. I manage, however, to get two cups of cocoa, and
consider I have made a fairly good breakfast. I collect my books
and proceed to my study in the _Hindostan_, to look over my work
for the day.
Hullo! there are some 'news' looking out of the ports; I must give
them a shower bath. I make a paper cone, and filling it with
water, empty it over them. It gets them fairly on the neck: heads
disappear. I try to master the Euclid and trig. Some other fellows
have dropped in by now; they are fairly quiet.
8.50.--Bugle again, and the corporal's mellow tones: 'Clear ship!
Clear ship! Cadets on the poop!' One by one we obey the summons,
and proceed to the poop of the _Britannia_. Soon the bugle sounds
'Fall in'; we are inspected, and prayers are read by the chaplain,
after which we march off to the studies, and the real work of the
day begins. I get questions I know, and manage to stumble through
my work fairly well.
At five minutes to eleven we have a quarter of an hour's interval,
and then do English for an hour, followed by French for another
hour. I am no good at French, so indulge in a game of nibs with my
neighbour, who does not love 'parley-voo' any more than I do. We
are detected, worse luck, and are rewarded with a 'mod' each.
('Moderate attention' in the daily report, involving one hour's
extra drill.)
Bugle sounds 'Dismiss studies.' I am not sorry, as I am famishing,
and it is pudding day, too. The bugle sounds again for dinner, and
we all assemble in the messroom. Grace is said by one of the two
chief captains, and here come the joints and pies, wheeled round
on small tables appropriated to them. Roast mutton falls to the
lot of my table; this is _not_ my favourite dish, and I get the
servant to bring me some beefsteak pie in its place. Meat course
over, I help the tart--cherry, with cream, and excellent. My
enjoyment of it is rather hindered by Brown, who is heaving bread
at me; however, he is spotted by the chief captain, and told to go
to the defaulters' table at tea. Brown says it is all my fault for
looking such an ass, which may be true, but is not polite. I vow
vengeance on Brown: he will avoid me after dinner, I expect. The
tarts being polished off, and grace again said, we get half an
hour to ourselves before muster. I spend it in the 'sanc'
('sanctuary,' a special place in the messroom, reserved for senior
cadets) reading the _Strand_, which has always something jolly in
it. I am in the middle of a blood-curdling tale, when the corporal
comes to clear the messroom. I shove the book in my drawer, and
depart to the middle deck. We fall in, and are marched off to
studies. This afternoon we have mathematics until 3.30, when we
shift into flannels, and make for the boats as fast as we can,
with towels and bathing-drawers. I am lucky, and get a shoreboat
soon, so secure a good place on the bathing stage.
It is a perfect day, just the day for a bathe; and here comes the
officer of the day ashore in a gig, with the bugler.
On reaching the stage they disembark, and the boat waits about in
case of accidents. The bugle sounds 'Advance,' and immediately
there is a sound of great splashing, and the water is alive with
heads. I have a jolly swim out to one of the sailing cutters, and
boarding her get another dive from her bow. Bugle sounds 'Retreat'
all too soon, and out of the water we have to go, _nolens volens_.
When dressed, I go and fall in for my punishment drill; but for
this I should be in the cricket field. There are twenty other
chaps in the same box as myself; poles are served out to us, and
for a whole hour of this blessed afternoon we have to do a variety
of exercises, and double round the drill ground. It is frightfully
hot work, and I am glad when it is over, and I can go up to the
field and get refreshments at Stodger's.
A game of cricket is going on; other chaps are practising at the
nets; and some of the officers are playing, too, at the first
eleven nets. I find one of the tennis courts empty, and get a game
with three other fellows who have been doing drill with me.
After two sets I go on board again, and, shifting out of flannels,
go down to the messroom and finish my story in the _Strand_. I
have time to read another before muster, after which we march into
the messroom for tea.
To-night we get cold meat, cake, bread and butter, and tea or
cocoa _ad lib_. An hour's preparation follows, and there is time
for a quarter of an hour's dancing before the band stops. F. and I
indulge in a wild _pas de quatre_, and have another quarter of an
hour to ourselves before prayers, which take place at 9.15 in the
messroom; and now, instead of turning comfortably into my hammock,
I have to do my fours--viz. to stand for an hour on the middle
deck before undressing. It is precious dull work, as there are
very few chaps at the same business to-night. After half an hour
is up, I am the only one left. I can hear the fellows talking and
laughing on the sleeping deck. I think of many things, but my
thoughts grow confused, and I begin to yawn, and nearly fall
asleep standing. At last the corporal tells me the hour is up, and
I gladly go to my chest and undress and turn in. After all, there
is nothing more comfortable than a hammock; and notwithstanding
the snoring of Jones, which is not melodious, I soon fall asleep,
with pleasant thoughts of to-morrow, for it promises to be fine,
and I am going out for a cruise in the _Wave_.
6.30.--I am wide awake this morning, and the sun is streaming in
through the port, so I know it is a fine day. I turn out with
alacrity, and am not behindhand in dressing; besides, I have only
to put on my flannels. Muster over, my class goes off to the
_Wave_, with a couple of fourth term classes, for shifting the
topgallant masts and yards. The _Wave_ is a barque of about 300
tons, with auxiliary steam power; full speed under steam, 4-1/2
knots. She is noted for her rolling propensities. However, as she
is now in the harbour, just astern of the _Britannia_, she is as
steady as a rock, or nearly so.
[Illustration: FIRST TERM SLEEPING DECK ON BOARD THE "HINDOSTAN."
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
It is not particularly interesting work shifting topgallant masts
in your third term, as only a few of the fourth term go aloft, and
the remainder of us stay down on deck, hauling on ropes. I am at
the foremast, and we get ours done much more smartly than the
fellows at the main, as we chance to be a better lot. This sort of
work goes on for an hour, when we return to the _Britannia_, and
have breakfast, feeling quite ready for our porridge. Cold ham
follows, and I make mine into sandwiches, with rolls, to eat in
the _Wave_, that is if I still feel capable of eating when we are
outside the harbour!
[Illustration: CHAPEL ON BOARD THE "HINDOSTAN."
_Photo: W. M. Crockett, Plymouth._]
There is half an hour to spare after breakfast before we embark
for our cruise. There is a stampede to the gangway to see a German
man-of-war just anchoring in the harbour below Dartmouth. She is a
great white steamer, full rigged, and is used as a training-ship.
We shall get a fine view of her passing in the _Wave_. It is now
time I was getting ready, so I fetch my sextant from the
instrument study, and wrap up my sandwiches in a piece of paper,
tying them up with a lanyard. The wind is freshening, and I ask
old Johnson, the boatswain, what it will be like outside. He says:
'A nice fresh breeze,' and I know what that means! At last we go
down in the boat and are off. I pull the second stroke oar, and we
soon reach the _Wave_ and scramble on board. During the few
minutes which elapse before the first lieutenant arrives, the
instructor shows us the various ropes, explaining the use of them,
and the boatswain tells us off to our respective stations aloft.
My place is on the fore top-sail-yard; and now the lieutenant
comes on board, and we slip from the buoy without delay, and
steam down the harbour. A quarter of an hour sees us outside, and
the _Wave_ begins to keep up her character for rolling. Indeed,
she seems fully determined not to disappoint us in this respect.
We have orders to go aloft and loose the sails, which are then
sheeted home, and we go down from aloft to help hoist them. She is
steadier now the sails are set, and soon the engines are stopped,
and our progress is under sail alone. After a little while we are
sent aloft to reef top-sails, and take in top-gallant sails. I get
on the yardarm, where we have to sit astride. It is splendid up
here; the best place of all, to my mind. The coast line is clearly
visible, from Start Point to Berry Head.
[Illustration: A SIGNALLING EXERCISE.]
Having taken in a reef, we return on deck, and have a quarter of
an hour's 'Stand easy.' By this time several fellows seem to be
curiously drawn to the lee side of the ship! We, whose souls do
_not_ 'sicken on the heaving _Wave_,' begin to feel the pangs of
hunger, and set to work to devour the provisions we have brought
with us, in addition to the ship's biscuit which is provided.
[Illustration: POCKET MONEY.]
Our 'Stand easy' being at an end, an order is given to start the
engines full steam ahead; this is to get more way on for lifeboat
practice. To-day I am one of the lifeboat's crew. The first
lieutenant, throwing the lifebuoy into the sea, raises a cry of
'Man overboard.' Immediately the engines are stopped and the
main-yard squared to stop the way of the ship. The lifeboat is
manned and lowered, and we row towards the supposed drowning man,
and with all promptitude rescue him from his watery grave.
On our return to the _Wave_ there is a friendly rivalry between
the fore and after part of the cadets to hoist up the lifeboat;
the result being that the crew are in the comfortable position of
sitting in a boat at an angle of about forty-five degrees, as the
fore part are the stronger lot. However, we soon manage to get on
board, and we go about and make for home; for so we come to regard
the old hulk lying in the Dart.
The order is given to get our sextants out of the charthouse; we
carry them aft to take the meridian altitude of the sun. This is
rather hard work while the ship is moving, when you are not
accustomed to it, but doubtless will come easy in time. And now we
are sent aloft to shake the reef out of the top-sails; this is the
work of two or three minutes only, and we proceed towards the
harbour mouth with increased speed. The wind is freshening, but
the motion is not felt so much now that it is dead aft. While we
are passing between the old castles of Kingswear and Dartmouth we
go aloft to take in the sails. I am not on the yardarm this time,
but next to it. While the 'Descent of Man' has lost him the
gymnastic properties of his ancestors, a sailor's life brings out
the power of 'Ascent in Man,' judging by the prehensile talent so
quickly acquired by his hands and feet. Think of this and take
comfort, O mothers! whose curly-haired Harrys and Willies are
climbing aloft on the rigging, at the apparently imminent peril of
their necks! We are past the Kingswear pontoon before the sails
are furled, and we are now steaming up the harbour at our usual
breathless speed, at which rate it is not long before we again
make fast to the buoy and return on board, most of us having
thoroughly enjoyed our cruise, and had our appetites whetted for
the good dinner which is awaiting us.
After our meal we do the usual hour and a half's work, which
to-day is mathematics, and then have our dip. F. and I make for
the cricket field, and spend a short time playing at the nets,
there being no game got up for to-day.
It is pretty hot this afternoon, and we should enjoy a bit of the
cool breeze we had outside in the morning. But this being
unavailable, we consider strawberries and cream would be a good
substitute, and accordingly make for the stodge shop, where we lay
in a store of the article mentioned, and feel refreshed.
F. is the fortunate possessor of a camera, and considers this will
be a good opportunity to go down to the dark-room and develop the
photographs he has been taking lately. I suggest getting one of
the blue boats, and rowing out to photograph the German man-of-war
lying in the harbour. We manage to wheedle a skiff out of the
boat-keeper, and are soon making for her. We get two or three
views, and while preparing to return are hailed by one of the
officers, and invited on board.
[Illustration: H.M.S. "RACER," TENDER TO THE "BRITANNIA."
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
This is too fine a chance to lose, and although we have not had
previous leave, we accept the tempting invitation so cordially
given, and, securing our boat alongside, are conveyed to the
gunroom. Here are a few officers, at whom we look with great
interest. All speak English fairly well, and are imbibing lager
beer and smoking. We are at once offered beer and cigars, and
indulge in a weed apiece, but no more, considering discretion to
be the better part of valour. It is difficult to refuse our hosts,
who so cordially press upon us their hospitality. F. imagines he
can speak German, having, when a baby, had a German nurse who knew
no English. I judge, from close observation, that at that remote
period of his existence he was unable to speak in either language
himself. But, of course, he cannot let slip this opportunity of
airing his linguistic proclivities.
He photographs the officers in a group: looking at my watch, I
find it is high time to be off, in fact the recall must have been
up for nearly a quarter of an hour. So, taking a hearty leave of
our genial hosts, we step into our boat, and pull quickly up the
harbour. We have to return the boat to its place, and find the
boat-keeper in a towering rage, promising to report us both. His
promises are always like pie-crust in this respect, so our
equanimity is not greatly disturbed, and we are just in time to
catch the pinnace for returning on board.
The corporal thinks we look suspicious, for some reason best known
to himself, and considers it necessary to search us for 'stodge,'
which it is against rules to bring on board. We are redolent of
tobacco, of course, which does not escape his olfactory sense, but
he has no proof against us, and has to let us go. Sold again!
We go on the sleeping deck to shift, and after muster march to the
messroom for tea. Then preparation, and half an hour to ourselves
till prayers. No 'fours' to-night, and I feel quite ready to turn
into my hammock when the time comes.
There is a slip on my hammock! I feel it going! I try to turn out,
but am too late. I clutch wildly at Jones's hammock. Bump! We are
both down, and the other fellows in great delight at the tableau.
It turns out to have been a trick of Jones's; so he has been well
punished.
Calm once more restored. After a little conversation, I am once
more in the land of dreams.
On board H.M.S. _Britannia_ one day is very much like another,
which, though somewhat monotonous, has the advantage (if it be
one) of making time fly fast. The studies are varied by
seamanship, including signalling by semaphore, flag, and Morse
systems; working anchors and cables, learnt by a model on wheels,
which is kept on the middle deck; knots and splices; working
sailing cutters; the steam picket boat, and other such oily
delights.
To-day, however, we have mathematics all the morning, from nine
o'clock until midday, with an interval at 10.30 for receiving our
weekly pocket money, consisting of the noble sum of one shilling,
which the third and fourth terms are entitled to receive also on
Wednesdays, if their parents see fit.
Next Monday being a whole holiday, however, the chaps who are
lucky enough to have friends in the neighbourhood, and are going
on leave to them until Monday, get extra pocket money, which may
not exceed five shillings, added to their railway fare. Having no
friend to invite me, I have arranged to go up the river to Totnes
in a blue boat with some other fellows, and we are to receive our
extra pocket money on Monday morning.
We fall in according to our terms and march round to the half
deck, the fourth term leading, the others following in order.
Dinner hour on 'halves' is twelve o'clock, and it follows,
therefore, that we are famishing by the time our evening meal is
ready, which is not until seven o'clock. The consequence is that a
great deal of money finds its way into the stodge shop, and our
pocket money is exhausted at a rapid rate. All the better for old
'Stodger,' and for Dawe, whose shop is open on half-holidays only.
The cadets going on leave took their departure before dinner,
rowing ashore to the platform abreast of the _Britannia_, where
trains stop by special order.
I have arranged to walk over to Stoke Fleming this afternoon with
F., and accordingly we start as soon as we can land after dinner.
We take it easy, so it is an hour before we arrive at our
destination. The road leads across the hills at the back of
Dartmouth towards the open sea, which here breaks at the foot of
steep and high cliffs. We are each provided with a book, and
finding a shady place on the cliffs, we have a rest and a read.
We can see the schooner yacht _Syren_ at sea, with a party of
cadets out for a cruise. The schooner _Arrow_, for the first and
second terms, is not yet in sight. I expect she will have some
difficulty in getting out of the harbour, the wind being light and
the tide against her, and the _Arrow_ sailing about as well as an
average washing-tub. The _Syren_ seems to be rolling rather, as
there is a slight swell from yesterday.
It is nearly four o'clock now, and we begin to feel the pangs of
hunger, so consider it is about time to proceed on our way to the
shop held by Mrs. Fox and Mrs. Martin, commonly known as 'Ma
Fox's,' where a capital tea can be obtained for a very moderate
sum. 'Ma Fox' is pretty well up in the manners and customs of
cadets. She sports the Prince of Wales's feathers over the shop
door, having been patronised by the two Royal cadets. F. and I get
the third term room to ourselves, and order a meal consisting of
cocoa, potted meat, sardines, and bread and jam, to which we do
ample justice; and having squared up with the old dame, we walk
slowly back to the field, where we see the last of the cricket
match between our first eleven and one of the neighbouring cricket
clubs. We are victorious again."
The above extract gives a very fair idea of life on board, from the
cadet's point of view. The description of the trip to Totnes on the
"whole" does not intimately concern the _Britannia_; but one or two
more extracts must be given, as throwing a little more light on
certain points.
The writer describes how, on Sunday afternoon, he and two comrades
land on the Kingswear side, taking with them two "news" who are often
in their company.
"Ralston, another of their term, respectfully accosts me, and asks
permission to come too. He is a likely looking lad, so I
graciously consent to his joining us. Arrived on shore, we repair
to our 'sanc,' which is a nook we have chosen in a small wood. It
is roofed over with branches woven together, and the 'news' set to
work to gather fresh bracken for us. When we consider it
sufficiently comfortable, we establish ourselves with our books,
and they proceed to a small 'sanc' of their own, within hail of
us, which they have made in their leisure time. They are also
provided with literature. This is part of the fearful fagging
system, of which so many complaints are made."
This, it will be noted, was three years after the commotion in 1891;
so, apparently, there was still some talk about the treatment of
"news." The subject is once more touched upon by the "Baby":--
"Much has been written and said lately about the _Britannia_--the
system of teaching, the bullying practice, etc. This latter is
fast disappearing under the wise rule of the latest captains.
There will always be something of the kind in a mild form in any
institution in the shape of a public school, and the _Britannia_
is nothing more or less. Fagging for money is now unheard of.
"The discipline is of necessity strict, but not unduly severe; and
the instructors are popular.
"It is almost an impossibility to make the work sufficiently
practical when there are so many subjects to take up; but there
_is_ practical work, as the readers of this paper will see."
The writer concludes as follows:--
"Soon the 'whole' is nothing but a memory, one of the many happy
ones we shall ever retain of our old training-ship on the Dart,
and which will, doubtless, often rise up before us in the years to
come, when we look forward to being, _at least_, useful members of
that profession which is England's glory."
Thus far "Navilus." His little book was written just before the advent
of Captain A. W. Moore, whose period of command was marked by some
drastic alterations.
There are not wanting those who assert that reform was urgently needed
in some respects, and that Captain Moore was expected to assume the
rôle of reformer.
The most important alterations were in disciplinary matters, and one
is embodied in the following orders for the lieutenants:--
Each lieutenant will have special charge of a term from their
entry into the _Britannia_ until they pass out, and will be
responsible for their instruction in seamanship, gymnastics,
boating, swimming, etc., and is to keep a record of each cadet's
progress. He will teach personally the "rule of the road" and
"ship construction," and at times such other subjects as he may
think fit.
One of the lieutenants will perform the duties of officer of the
day, and a second lieutenant will be present at all musters of
cadets, and attend in the recreation grounds when cadets are
landed.
A weekly report of each term will be rendered by the lieutenants,
to be given to the executive officer on Monday morning at
divisions for the captain.
The advantage of this system is at once apparent: each lot of boys,
when they join, find themselves placed under the care of an officer,
who remains as their instructor, monitor, and "sea daddy" during the
whole period of their sojourn on board. He soon gets to know each one
intimately, and they can go to him for advice in any difficulties
which may crop up. He takes an interest in their conduct and progress,
and encourages healthy emulation and a proper _esprit de corps_ among
them; indeed, he may do an immense amount of good, of which the
lieutenants were not afforded the opportunity under former
regulations.
[Illustration: CAPTAIN A. W. MOORE.
(Now Vice-Admiral Sir A. W. Moore, K.C.B., C.M.G.)
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
The arrangement is also a far more satisfactory one for the
lieutenants, who thus have a definite line of work prescribed, instead
of the somewhat vague position which they used to occupy.
It is a curious thing that nobody ever thought of it before! That it
has worked well from the outset everyone is agreed.
Another disciplinary measure was the abolition of cadets' corporals,
with their chief man--master-at-arms or serjeant-major--and the
substitution of a cadets' gunner, known as "chief of the staff," with
four chief gunner's mates under him, one to each term.
[Illustration: THE "VICTORIA AND ALBERT" AT DARTMOUTH.
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
Everyone who knows anything about naval matters will appreciate the
advantage of having a gunner placed in this position. The warrant
officers are an admirable body of men; they have been "through the
mill" in the lower grades, know their work practically and thoroughly,
and usually display considerable capacity for command and a quite
remarkable amount of tact in the discharge of their duties. The
gunners are the pick of the "warrants," and there would be no
difficulty in finding a man for the newly created post in the
_Britannia_ with every possible qualification for it; moreover, he
ranks in the Navy above a midshipman or cadet, so that there is no
incongruity about his position of authority.
The chief gunner's mates are the "makings" of gunners, and
consequently the best subordinates possible in this department.
The chief of the staff has to keep the cadets' defaulters books, see
all punishments on board properly carried out, take charge of the
sleeping decks, messroom, servants' mess place, and to see that the
cadets' servants are clean and tidy and perform their duties properly;
and is, altogether, a sort of sub-executive officer, and no doubt
invaluable to the commander.
These changes from within were speedily followed by others, of equal
importance, from without; for in January 1897, the Admiralty issued a
new circular, initiating radical alterations in the regulations for
entry and training.
The limits of age for entry were altered as follows:--
Cadets entering January 15th and May 15th, 1897, 13-1/2 to 15;
September 15th, 1897, 13-3/4 to 15-1/4; and January 15th, 1898,
and afterwards, 14 to 15-1/2.
This is in accordance with the views expressed by the committee of
1885, who were of opinion that the subjects taught in the _Britannia_
could not be properly learnt by boys so young. If this new arrangement
was in recognition of the correctness of these views, it was certainly
tardy!
However, this was not the only alteration; there were to be, as
before, four terms spent by a cadet in the training ship; but instead
of there being two terms in each year, involving two years' training,
there were to be three in each year, thus reducing the time spent on
board to about fifteen months.
[Illustration: THE CADETS' HOSPITAL.
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
This would appear to involve the assumption that the increased age
would render it possible not only that a cadet should learn the
subjects better, but that he should do so in nine months less time.
There are, however, some slight modifications in the "Course of
Studies," as set forth respectively in the former regulations and the
new ones. In the latter astronomy, pneumatics, light, and electricity
disappear from the regular tabulated curriculum; English--including
English history, naval history, and geography--is also omitted; but
all these subjects still find their place under the heading of
"Lectures," so the alteration is more in theory than practice. Euclid
is modified to a certain extent; but, taking it all round, the course
is a pretty stiff one for fifteen months.
However, it does not appear to be too hard for the boys; it is still
in force, and, out of 979 cadets presenting themselves at the final
examinations since 1897, only twelve, or 1·2 per cent., have failed.
In 1902 and 1903 (to anticipate a little) there have, up to August
last, been no failures, which is highly creditable both to the boys
and their instructors.
In 1896 (as an improvement upon the brigs formerly suggested), the
_Racer_, a barque-rigged screw sloop of 970 tons, was attached to the
_Britannia_ for the purpose of taking out the third and fourth term
cadets cruising in the Channel. She had accommodation for one class at
a time, and was in command of a commander for navigating duties.
The usual routine was that the class should embark from Monday to
Friday; the lieutenant of the term went with his boys, assumed the
duties of executive officer, and instructed the cadets in seamanship;
the engineer taught them steam, and the commander practical
navigation. The vessel cruised under sail as a general rule, using
steam as necessary to make her ports.
[Illustration: ON THE SICK LIST.
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
The _Racer_ season extended from April 1st to November 1st, or later
if desirable; she was laid up during the winter, and was ready for sea
by March 15th.
This was a decided step in advance, and there is no doubt the cadets
derived immense benefit from these short cruises, which must,
moreover, in fine summer weather, have been exceedingly
pleasant--after the usual "tribute" had been paid to Neptune!
On March 17th, 1897, while both the captain and the wardroom officers
were entertaining guests at dinner, a sensational incident occurred.
The _Britannia_, it will be recollected, has a solitary mast; not a
large one for a vessel of her size, but sufficiently lofty to be a
target for lightning, and provided with the usual copper strip for
conductor. While dinner was in progress there was a shock, plainly
felt throughout the ship, and a blinding glare, while a tremendous
peal of thunder simultaneously resounded overhead; the ship trembled
from stem to stern, and some of the occupants of the wardroom even
imagined that they saw the lightning flash through the room. There was
no doubt about it, the ship was struck by lightning. It had struck the
copper band round the "truck"--the small round disc which surmounts
the mast, and carries the blocks for the flag halyards--split the
truck, burnt through the wire strap of the signal halyard block, and
travelled down the conductor, which is supposed to run right down the
mast and pass out to connect with the copper sheathing of the ship
under water; perhaps it did, but the lightning apparently stopped
short at the galvanised roof through which the mast passes, and spread
itself out over the iron, which was very wet. The wrecked truck is
kept in a glass case between decks as a memento of this unusual
experience.
In the Jubilee procession of 1897 the cadets played a prominent part,
and were everywhere hailed with enthusiasm. One hundred of them went
to London on this occasion, and were put up for the night at Greenwich
College.
They left Kingswear at 10.50 a.m. on June 21st, six in a compartment,
with an enormous pasty and a bottle of ginger-beer each. At Bristol
buns and ginger-beer were served out during the stoppage, and they
were sustained for the remainder of the journey to Paddington, which
was reached at 5.20. Here there were 'buses waiting to convey them to
Charing Cross, _en route_ for Greenwich.
[Illustration: FOURTH TERM CADETS ON BOARD THE "ISIS."
_Photo: W. M. Crockett, Plymouth._]
An early start was necessary next morning, so they breakfasted at
6.45 a.m., left at 8, and reached Charing Cross at 9, whence they
marched to the Admiralty, where Mr. Goschen, the First Lord, had made
all hospitable provision for them. At 10.30 they marched to Buckingham
Palace to salute the Queen as she drove off; then back to the
Admiralty to a sumptuous lunch. At 1.15 fall in again, and march to
the Palace to mount guard on the Queen's return. Then they returned to
the Admiralty for a "stand easy," and lay about on the grass in the
First Lord's garden, which they found very pleasant; and the enjoyment
of their repose was presently enhanced by the appearance of unlimited
ginger-beer, served out by Mr. Goschen's two sons. Finally, tea was
served in the First Lord's house, and they marched to Paddington in
time for their train, at six o'clock; very tired--and no wonder--but
happy. What time they got on board is not stated; but, doubtless, they
were allowed a good lie in next morning.
Those who did not go to London for the procession were taken to see
the Spithead Review, on the 26th, which was, perhaps, still better
worth seeing.
Jubilee year was further signalised by the institution of the Queen's
medal, to be awarded annually, by the vote and selection of his
comrades, to the cadet who is deemed to be foremost in good conduct
and gentlemanly bearing in all respects.
This honorable trophy was awarded at Christmas, 1897, to Midshipman
J. W. Scott, who had already gone to sea, and was serving in H.M.S.
_Astræa_; Cadet G. B. Alexander receiving the "diploma," which is a
necessary step towards receiving the medal next time.
The editor is busy again asking questions. "How is it," he wants to
know, "that so few cadets are to be seen dancing in the evening?
Hardly one of the third and fourth terms is to be seen. They are hard
at work, no doubt, but a quarter of an hour devoted to dancing every
night, instead of '_x_,' would invigorate their brains to further
efforts in pursuit of that wily letter. They will have sometimes to
attend dances, and if they have to say they can't, what a nuisance
they become to themselves and others."
Most true; and, as we recollect, dancing was included in the
curriculum in the old Academy, and for a considerable portion of the
College time; it is not easy to see where time could be found for it
in the course on board the _Britannia_.
[Illustration: A LESSON IN SEAMANSHIP.]
An interesting gift was made to the ship about this time, being no
other than the spectacles worn by Captain Marryat. The donor was Mr.
Oscar de Satagé, who was a godson of the great naval novelist.
Many reflections are suggested by these relics. Marryat probably wore
them while he wrote some of his novels. Do any of those amazing scenes
which he so graphically describes still linger in the lenses? Shall
we, if we put them on, be able to see Mr. Midshipman Easy strutting
about with the Articles of War under his arm, and laying down the law
to his superiors, or murmuring, "Duty before decency" as the unlucky
Mr. Biggs stands trouserless on the gangway? Or shall we see that
marvellous picture, dear to every seaman, presented in "Peter Simple,"
where the _Diomede_ just weathers the point, and her courses fly in
shivers as she scrapes clear? Well, well, if they were known to have
such properties, those spectacles, it is to be feared, would not last
long!
[Illustration: A TYPICAL FOURTH TERM GROUP: "PASSING OUT" CADETS,
1893.
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
Another gift to the _Britannia_ in the 'nineties was the magnificent
model of the ill-fated _Victoria_, made for the Naval Exhibition of
1891, and presented by Messrs. Armstrong and Co. It fills up one side
of the model room, and must have taken some getting in there; but
sailors do not stick at trifles: if you confronted them with a camel
and a needle, they would immediately set to work to rig the necessary
tackle for "reeving" the camel through the eye.
The _Britannia_ did not escape discussion in the papers during the
'nineties. On January 10th, 1891, a correspondent, under the pseudonym
of "Blue Jacket," starts the question of the cadets' food, stating
that he understands it is far from satisfactory, and inquires whether
it is as good as they had in their former schools.
"A. L. M.," a former _Britannia_ boy, says he always found the food
good and abundant--and he ought to know.
"A Parent" says his boy informs him that the victuals are of the most
inferior description, the butter and meat being often uneatable; and
alleges that some cadets who complained of the butter on one occasion
were punished.
Possibly "A Parent's" son may not have been quite ingenuous. Any
complaint would be promptly investigated by the officer of the day,
and, if well founded, immediate steps would be taken to remedy the
matter; an unfounded complaint, on the other hand, particularly if
reiterated, would be a likely occasion for a small dose of "fours," as
a reminder not to be unduly troublesome. The allegation that boys who
made justifiable complaints about food were punished for it requires
something more than the authority of "A Parent's" son to make it go
down. "Navilus" does not convey the impression that there is anything
wrong with either the quantity or quality of the food; on the
contrary, he is rather enthusiastic about it.
There are usually, in every school and college, a certain number of
students who, either from perversity or from having been unduly
pampered at home, make a point of finding fault with the food, however
good; they imagine it is "swagger" to know how these things ought to
be done.
A young commissioned officer who was a member _pro tem._ of a very
excellent, not to say sumptuous, mess was once known to insert in the
complaint book a bitter wail because _only three sorts of cheese_ were
handed round at mess. This is the kind of hardship which should not be
silently endured!
Nevertheless, messmen or stewards do undoubtedly go wrong at times, if
not kept very sharply under supervision, and inferior stuff is
sometimes supplied without being discovered for a time by the heads.
Well, we have reached the end of the 'nineties; but there is a small
slice of the twentieth century to be dealt with before concluding this
chapter.
The augmentation in age, by which cadets might enter after January,
1898, as old as 15-1/2, was certain to result, sooner or later, in
some very big boys being entered; and the following remarks in the
_Britannia Magazine_ for Christmas, 1901, appear to indicate that a
contingent had arrived, in September, of cadets who were considerably
more prominent for length than breadth.
"Our latest brand of naval cadets is assuming a weird shape: we are
assured by the doctors and the Physical Development Society that our
recent plague has produced a hitherto unknown specimen of the naval
officer in embryo. It scarcely seems credible; but having the
authorities to back us up with statistics, we feel safe in our
statement--that the various forms of torture have revealed the fact
that, although there has been an enormous increase in height, chest
girth and weight have been sadly on the decrease."
The "recent plague" referred to is possibly a severe epidemic of
influenza which visited the ship in the spring of 1901, and caused a
good deal of talk at the time; it died hard, and there were some
deaths from complications, pneumonia and so on.
[Illustration: H.M.S. "ISIS," SEA-GOING TRAINING SHIP.
_Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth._]
There appears to have been a sort of jealousy or inimical feeling
about the _Britannia_ which is always cropping up, and finding vent in
letters to the _Times_--the indignant Briton's great resource--and
which does not seem easy to account for. In the bullying affair,
before alluded to, the captain was busy detecting culprits and putting
it down before anyone wrote to the Press, and yet the busy newspaper
correspondents persisted in saddling him, and the whole system, with
the blame of it. And similarly, in the case of the epidemic in 1901,
everybody and everything was held accountable except the well-known
capricious nature of the ailment, which crops up unexpectedly in a
household or a community, and as suddenly disappears; no one knows how
it got there, and its very name implies a mystery.
"A Father of Cadets" writes: "I have been informed that for about
sixteen years--_i.e._ since the ships have been at Dartmouth--the
sewage has been discharged from the vessel into the river, where,
though it is mostly washed away by the tide, part must sink into
deeper water."
This is certainly a very ill-informed parent, who should have applied
to his sons for some information before taking up his pen. In the
first place, the _Britannia_ had, in March, 1901, been, not sixteen
but over thirty-seven years in the Dart; and where, in the name of
common-sense, did he expect the sewage to be discharged from the ship
except into the river? This is obviously a case of "any stick is good
enough to beat a dog with."
A refreshing contrast is presented by the letter of another father of
a cadet, Mr. N. C. Dobson, _emeritus_ Professor of Surgery, who says
that he has been on board several times, and is quite satisfied that
the condition of the ship has had nothing to do with the outbreak.
In this he is confirmed by the official report of Professor Corfield,
a hygienic expert, who was requested by the Admiralty to investigate
the causes, and who speaks most highly of the sanitary condition of
the ship, and says, in effect, that the disease got on board in some
manner which it is impossible to detect.
Another writer attempts to put the blame on the food, and sundry
allegations are made against Dartmouth itself, which draw forth a
reply from the town clerk, who produces official statistics to
disprove the statements.
Nothing, in the eyes of some people, can be commended in the poor old
_Brit._ or the place where she is moored. The captains are all
incapable, the officers and masters are worse, the position is
insanitary, and nothing is right, in short, except the excellent
officers which this dreadful institution turns out! It would not be
precisely fulsome if some credit were accorded to the captains and
officers for this result, and a small share to the Admiralty for
selecting, as a rule, the right men for the post.
However, to quote our friend the editor of the _Britannia Magazine_,
"it is not well to be cynical!"
At Easter, 1902, the _Britannia Magazine_ says:--"Rumours of an
increased number in the next entry of cadets are rife, which
intelligence, while possibly gladdening the hearts of some hundreds of
parents, who are naturally selfishly interested, brings to the
authorities' notice that the additional number have somehow to be
accommodated. Various suggestions have been made, but none, to our
mind, feasible. A third term cadet has it from the best quarters that
a brig is to be moored astern of the _Britannia_. Another has heard
that the senior term captains are to relieve the marine orderlies from
their tedious night watch keeping in order to save hammock space."
The rumour was not without some foundation; but, fortunately, none of
the drastic measures alluded to above were found to be necessary.
On March 7th, 1902, the King and Queen came down to lay the
foundation-stone of the new College. This was, of course, a tremendous
fête day for Dartmouth generally, and the _Britannia_ in particular.
Their Majesties arrived in a special train at Kingswear, and crossed
the harbour in the Great Western Railway Company's little steamer the
_Dolphin_, which was profusely decorated. A large wooden pavilion was
erected near the site of the College, handsomely hung with flags,
etc., of various colours. The foundation-stone is a block of Cornish
granite, which is to form the base of a column 60 feet high on the
left of the main entrance. The casket to contain the coins and
records, and the mallet, were made of oak from the old _Britannia_,
and there was, of course, a silver trowel, which was designed by the
architect, Mr. Aston Webb.
[Illustration: THE KING'S VISIT, MARCH 7, 1902.
_Photo: Russell & Sons, Southsea._]
All was going off swimmingly, when it was discovered that the medals,
which the King, after declaring the stone "well and truly laid," was
to present to sundry persons, had been left on board the ancient and
much-bedizened _Dolphin_!
What was to be done? The failure of the captain of the _Britannia_, or
whoever was responsible, to produce the medals at the proper moment
would, of course, be immediately followed by the mandate, "Off with
his head!" or at the least, "To the Tower with the knave!"
However, a saviour was found in the person of Lieutenant Woollcombe,
who was mounted in some official capacity, and who, on learning of the
impending disaster, stuck his spurs in his horse and tore at full
gallop through the town to the pontoon, where the _Dolphin_ was found
lying; he seized the packet and thundered back again, arriving in time
to save the captain's head.
The magazine has something to say about this feat:--
"Blessed with magnificent weather, everything went smoothly, except
for one slight incident, which introduced the Deputy-Master of the
Horse in the character of Gilpin (wasn't it?) in his celebrated ride
to York; and if the shedding of garments had continued, we are not
quite certain that the rôle of Godiva would not better have suited
him."
There is some unkind allusion here which is not quite apparent to the
uninitiated: it would appear as though the wild horseman had hastily
dispensed with some of his garments as he rode; and, for an officer in
full, gold-plated, stand-up-collar uniform, this is indeed a difficult
and daring feat, especially if he contrived, while still at full
gallop, to replace them before he arrived in the royal presence.
When he next rides through the town
May I be there to see!
The magazine proceeds:--"We were lucky enough to witness an excellent
cinematograph a few days after their Majesties had been with us,
showing in detail their movements outside the pavilion; and the
picture showing the arrival of the Royal carriage was greeted with
enthusiastic applause.
"The pleasure of seeing one's own face in print is a mixed and
doubtful one, even when in miniature: but, magnified to about double
the original and working size, it becomes an atrocity, and the King's
guard will, we sincerely hope, forgive the jeers which greeted their
appearance."
Among other competitions instituted in these later days was a poem; at
first sight, it might seem more appropriate to include this among the
_Britannia_ games, but the following prize poem, by Cadet A. H.
Taylor, demands a better fate:--
YE MARINERS OF ENGLAND: UP TO DATE.
Ye submarines infernal
That prowl beneath the seas,
Who ne'er shall brave, in future years,
The battle or the breeze,
Your deep-sea warpath take again
Where you need fear no foe,
And creep through the deep
Where six-pound shells don't go.
Though the battle rages up above,
You're safe down there below.
The tops of conning towers
Start up from every wave,
For you are blind as moles below,
And light and air ye crave.
Where Tryon, Drake, and Shovel lie
Ye submarines now go,
As ye creep, etc.
Now battleships and cruisers
The seas no longer sweep,
Since danger lurks beneath the waves
A dozen fathoms deep;
With Whitehead's fell torpedoes
You pot them from below,
As ye creep, etc.
The meteor flag of England
Shall still terrific burn,
And submarines that start from Brest
Shall never more return:
The T. B. D.'s will nab them when
They rise to get a blow;
Though they creep through the deep
Where six-pound shells don't go,
Their men can't stand the tinned air long,
Though they're safe down there below.
[Illustration: THE "BRITANNIA" DRESSED FOR THE KING'S BIRTHDAY.
_Photo: W. M. Crockett, Plymouth._]
The "tinned air" is a right merry conceit; it is to be hoped that the
prophetic words of the last verse may come true in case of war. We are
doing a good deal of business in the matter of "tinned air" in England
just now, which ought to assist in keeping the "meteor flag" flying.
The officers who commanded the _Britannia_ during the 'nineties--and
after, are as follow:--
Captain A. B. Thomas, appointed September 8th, 1892.
Captain A. W. Moore, appointed April 17th, 1894.
Captain the Hon. A. G. Curzon-Howe, appointed April 21st, 1897.
Captain M. P. O'Callaghan, appointed February 20th, 1900.
Captain C. H. Cross, appointed April 22nd, 1903.
Captain Thomas had to resign his appointment through ill-health.
Captain Cross is still in command, and will probably see the end of
the _Britannia_ as at present constituted.
During the 'nineties no fewer than 1,554 cadets entered, which,
together with 618 in the next three years, makes a total of 2,172 in
the thirteen years under consideration in this chapter. On this head
some details will be found in the concluding chapter.