CONCLUSION.
Forty-Six Years' Record--Internal Arrangements--Swimming Baths--"On
Their Honour"--No More Sails--The _Revenge_ as a Picture--The _Isis_
and _Aurora_--Lieutenants' Adventure--Scotch Hospitality--Shooting
Instruction--"Good Fishing"--A Creditable Record--The Cost of the
_Britannia_--The Instructional Staff--An Excellent Arrangement--A
Heavy Responsibility--Discharged Right Well--The New Scheme--
Utilitarian Buildings--The _Racer_ Again--Popularity of Practical
Mechanics--No Half Measures.
Having followed the story of the _Britannia_ from her cradle--but not
to her grave, as interment would be premature at present--it only
remains to add a few details and remarks on the general arrangements
as now existing, and on the results of the work performed in the
training of young officers during the period of forty-six years since
the institution of the _Illustrious_ under Captain Harris, together
with a brief description of the new scheme which is now in operation,
concurrently with the last days of the _Britannia_.
The arrangements and general condition of the two ships which
constitute the establishment, as the result of many years of
experience and successive improvements under various captains, are
such as to impress most favourably anyone who has had experience in
naval discipline and the adaptation of ships to such purposes.
Whatever may be the views held by various officers and others as to
the advisability of using a stationary ship in preference to a
college--and they are many and diverse, as we have seen--there can be
but one opinion as to the high state of perfection which has been
attained in the _Britannia_, whether from a sanitary, a disciplinary,
or an educational point of view.
The cadets' chests and hammocks are divided between the two
ships--which are, of course, practically one, by virtue of the
connecting bridge--the first and second terms being located on the
lower deck of the _Hindostan_, the third and fourth on the main deck
of the _Britannia_. At the fore end of each of these decks are large
salt water baths, with fresh water shower-baths; every cadet, on
turning out in the morning, has to go through the bath, and is also
provided with hot water at his washing place for supplementary
ablutions. Arrangements are also made by which about one hundred
cadets get a hot fresh water bath each week. The hot and muddy
followers of the beagles are not forgotten, a very acceptable warm
bath being provided for them when they return on board.
The cadets' chests and clothes are under supervision by the lieutenant
in charge of each term, who supplies the captain with a list of
deficiencies once a month, and frequently inspects the chests and
clothing, to see that they are kept in good order.
Naval uniform, etc., is very strictly prescribed nowadays, down to the
most minute details--such as neckties, and toe-caps on boots--in great
contrast to the laxity of former days; and the cadets are bound by
these to the very letter.
The studies are divided between the two ships, and are as good as they
could be made on board a ship; gangways are built at the sides, so as
to utilise the full breadth of the ship, without the necessity of
passing through one study for access to another. The lecture-room is
on board the _Britannia_, fitted with rising tiers of seats, and all
appliances for practical demonstration in physics, etc.
The messroom is on the lower deck of the _Britannia_; and a bulkhead
separates this and the steward's pantries, etc., from the ship's
company's quarters at the fore end.
The wardroom officers have an excellent messroom at the after end of
the middle deck, with anteroom and billiard-room. It may sound odd to
landsmen to hear of such a nicely adjusted article as a billiard-table
on board ship; and, of course, in a sea-going ship or one moored in an
exposed position it would be futile. In a close and quiet harbour
such as Dartmouth, however, it is quite feasible, and any little
alterations in the trim of the ship are compensated by means of a
screw on each leg of the table and a spirit level.
The captain has his quarters on the main deck, above the officers.
The poop of the _Hindostan_ is roofed in and fitted permanently as a
chapel, the only adaptation necessary for Sunday being the covering of
the skylights which light the studies below, and which otherwise
interfere with the arrangement of the seats. This is a vast
improvement on the old style of "rigging church" with messroom forms,
etc., on the middle deck, which is all very well in a sea-going ship,
where you cannot devote a portion of a deck to the purpose.
[Illustration: CAPTAIN C. H. CROSS.]
The upper deck of the _Britannia_ is covered in, and used as a place
for recreation and skylarking in bad weather, also for such functions
as prize day, etc.
There are two floating swimming baths attached to the ship: one is
moored a little way off, and the other, in which the water can be
heated when necessary, is secured under the bridge which connects the
two ships. These are used for the purpose of instruction in swimming;
every cadet is tested as to his capabilities in this respect on
joining; should the weather be too cold at the time, he must produce a
statement from his parents or guardian that he can swim. The test is
to swim sixty yards without stopping; any boy who is unable to do this
is placed under instruction, and his progress regularly reported until
he can pass in swimming. No cadet is allowed to use the boats for
recreation, or to present himself for final examination, unless he is
able to swim.
The first paragraph of the regulations to be observed by cadets when
away from the ship explains clearly enough the spirit in which the
rules are imposed:--
"Cadets when on shore for recreation enjoy complete freedom from
surveillance. This advantage can only be enjoyed with their
co-operation, and it is obviously to their interest, in every way, to
show that the confidence reposed in them is not misplaced. Certain
rules and regulations are laid down for their guidance, and they are
'_on their honour_' to abide by them."
The rules are by no means too harsh or exacting, and the system is
found to work perfectly.
The youth "Navilus," in his booklet, it will be recollected, records
how he and his companion went on board the German man-of-war. This was
a breach of rules, without first obtaining permission, but not a very
terrible offence; indeed, it would have been almost too much to expect
that they should, in response to such a cordial invitation, reply that
they were not permitted to do so.
The course of studies and seamanship as at present pursued is
contained in the Appendix, and needs but little notice here.
It will be observed that instructions as to working sails and masts,
manoeuvring a ship under sail, etc., are wiped out; all that is taught
is the names of sails and how to "bend" fore and aft sails. All
fitting of rigging is also abolished, and only such bends and hitches,
knots and splices, retained as may be occasionally useful. It was
quite time, no doubt, to take this step, seeing how much else there is
to learn, and that none of these lads will ever see a sail set in
their future ships; still, there is a certain feeling of regret about
it. England attained her unrivalled place on the ocean by her sailors'
smartness in the old style of seamanship; she will have to maintain it
with the new appliances when the time comes.
Another source of regret--entirely sentimental, no doubt; but are not
sailors proverbially sentimental?--is the final disappearance of the
big ship under a cloud of canvas. Such a sight as the cadets were
called from their studies to witness one day at Portland, when the
_Revenge_, a very handsome two-decker, was beating into the roads;
Captain Harris stood on the poop, a veritable sea-dog, and criticised
every movement.
A big battleship or cruiser is a fine sight, the embodiment of power
and dangerous energy; but she cannot hold a candle to the _Revenge_ as
a picture!
In 1902 great excitement was caused by the news that the _Racer_ was
doomed; and in due course her successor put in an appearance--a very
different sort of craft.
The _Isis_ is a second-class cruiser of 5,600 tons and 8,000
horse-power, though she is capable of developing a good deal more than
this when it is found necessary to press her. She is reckoned as a
19- or 20-knot vessel, and, as will be seen from the illustration, is
a very business-like looking craft, presenting quite an imposing
appearance in the narrow waters of the Dart.
Her first cruise commenced on October 2nd, 1902, when she took the
fourth term cadets to sea for a blue-water cruise; the first since the
days of the _Ariadne_ in the early 'seventies. It was during this trip
that, while at Santa Cruz, in Teneriffe, some idiotic Canary Islanders
attacked Captain Mundy, and injured him rather seriously.
The _Isis_, however, did not provide sufficient accommodation for the
cadets who were ripe for sea training, so another vessel was attached
to the _Britannia_--the _Aurora_, an older vessel, and, though of the
same tonnage and lower speed, rated as a first-class cruiser; she has
a considerable amount of protective armour.
These two vessels are kept going, and in the summer number of the
magazine for 1903 there is quite a long yarn about their doings, with
scores of the cricket matches played by the cadets at various ports.
When the cadets joined for their cruise on May 7th, 1903, at Plymouth,
it is recorded that all turned up punctually except one boy, whose
parents had sent him to Portsmouth by mistake; and, as he came from
Wales, he had rather a roundabout journey to Plymouth!
They visited the Scilly Isles, where Mr. Smith-Dorrien, who owns
large property there, extended liberal hospitality to them. Here a
somewhat awkward mishap attended two of the lieutenants. They went out
in a skiff, when the weather became somewhat rough--as everyone knows
it can at the Scillies--and their small craft capsized, out of sight
of the ship. However, they managed to swim on shore, and were well
looked after by a fisherman's family until a ship's boat brought them
on board, luckily none the worse.
From the Scillies they went to Milford Haven, thence to the Isle of
Man, and on to Oban. They were to have gone on to the "Land of the
Midnight Sun," but one of the lads had to be landed for an operation
for appendicitis, so their stay at Oban was prolonged, and the Norway
trip abandoned.
Two of the ship's boats took part in a sailing race, and the gig of
the _Isis_, steered by the first lieutenant, succeeded in carrying off
the prize, being, indeed, 18 minutes ahead of her time allowance;
which must have astonished the members of the local yacht club who
admitted them to the competition; for it is, curiously enough, a sort
of axiom among yachtsmen, that naval officers cannot sail a boat.
From Oban they went to Invergordon, Tobermory, and Stornoway. But the
weather-god of the Hebrides is an unrestful sort of person, and
treated them to a little of the bluster which he always has up his
sleeve, even in the summer months; and before they arrived at Milford
Haven, on July 5th, a good many of the cadets had had a good
opportunity of getting their "sea-legs."
All naval officers who have visited Scotland in their cruises carry
away pleasing recollections of much kindness and hospitality, and the
experience of the officers and cadets on board the _Isis_ formed no
exception to the rule.
The _Aurora_, meanwhile, sailing on the same day, visited Guernsey,
Yarmouth (Isle of Wight), Weymouth, Torquay, Falmouth, the Scilly
Isles, Kingstown, Bangor, Lamlash Bay (in the Isle of Arran), thence
to the Isle of Man, and finally to Milford Haven, where they found
their "opposite number," the _Isis_, and compared notes as to their
respective cruises.
It is quite obvious, from the tone of the letters from the two ships,
that these cruises, teeming as they do with opportunities of acquiring
valuable knowledge and experience, are also a source of much pleasure
and enjoyment to the lads.
It is recorded in the magazine that the captain has started a shooting
class among the cadets of the senior term; giving preference to those
who have not had an opportunity at home of using a fowling piece. Clay
pigeons are provided, and the cadets are instructed in all the
precautions which should be used when out shooting, so as to minimise
the risk of accident. This is an excellent idea, and the boys ought to
be very grateful to Captain Cross for originating it. Every shooting
season has its tale of accidents, many of them arising from an utter
disregard of precautions and lack of common sense; opportunities often
occur of shooting on foreign stations, and the experience gained with
the clay pigeons at Dartmouth will come in handy afterwards, no doubt.
The practice of dragging a loaded gun through a hedge is responsible
for many deaths, the culprit being usually also the victim; and the
extraordinary things that people who are supposed to be experts in the
use of fire-arms will do sometimes are almost incredible. Let us hope
that these young gentlemen, being forewarned, will learn the value of
caution and common sense in the use of both sporting and service
weapons; not forgetting the revolver, which, in the hands of careless
or incompetent persons, is the most dangerous weapon of all.
The King's Birthday "whole" was curtailed to a "half" in 1903, owing
to the presence of scarlet fever in Dartmouth; but, as it was held on
June 26th, the day was long, and was well filled up. Three cricket
matches, a picnic of about 140 up the river, and a sea-fishing party
of forty or fifty comprised the entertainments, which were all
eminently successful. The fishermen were piloted by Mr. James, of
Dartmouth, to an ideal fishing ground, where they hauled up many big
fish, including huge conger eels--which often give exciting sport by
their antics when landed, getting mixed up with all the tackle in the
boat, and going for the fishermen open-mouthed when they endeavour to
disentangle them--rock-cod, and other marine monsters; they also had a
parallel experience with that of the apostolic fisherman of old, for,
though they were not using nets, one of their best lines broke from
the weight of fish upon it.
The spot selected by this acute Dartmouth gentleman presents a strong
contrast to some places which are marked "good fishing" on the
Admiralty charts, where, indeed, the words hold good in an ironical
sense, for you may fish all day there; but, whether your fishing be
good, bad, or indifferent, there is no "catching"!
Before proceeding to describe the arrangements which are to supersede
the old _Britannia_ course, it may be interesting to give a few
figures showing the numbers who have passed through the ship. These
are not available earlier than January 1st, 1862.
Since that date the number of cadets actually entered, up to the close
of 1902, is 5,009; the number who have presented themselves for final
examination out of the ship, from December, 1862, to August, 1903, is
4,741; and out of these there have been 151 failures--3·1 per cent.
This is not a large percentage over so long a period; but taking the
last ten years separately there is a very marked improvement, 1,770
cadets examined giving only 27 failures, or 1-1/2 per cent.; and the
last five examinations--up to August, 1903--have brought no failures.
There is no record easily available as to the numbers withdrawn, or
discharged, for misconduct, earlier than midsummer, 1879; since then,
up to August, 1903, 79 have been withdrawn, and eleven discharged for
misconduct, or 2·9 per cent. in all; and these numbers include six who
were discharged at the time of the bullying investigation, during
Captain Digby's command.
During the last ten years, however, only 1·6 per cent. have left
before completing their course, there being only one case of dismissal
for misconduct.
Since 1884, 66 cadets have entered the Service from the two
training-ships of the Mercantile Marine Service Association, the
_Conway_ in the Mersey, and the _Worcester_ in the Thames. These lads,
after two years in the training ships, provided they fulfil certain
conditions as to age, etc., are admitted for examination with the
cadets in the _Britannia_.
Some details as to the cost of the _Britannia_ will be found in the
Appendix; the figures are high, and do not include the cost of the
sea-going training ships now in commission, which is not small.
[Illustration: MR. J. H. SPANTON.]
If the gross amount named in the estimates be taken, without deducting
the parents' contributions, the rate per head per annum in 1882-3
would be £258, and in 1901-2 £187. Whether this is excessive in
respect of what is obtained for it, or how it compares with the cost
per head at the most expensive public schools, it is not precisely
within the scope of this volume to inquire; but probably a ship school
of the high type of the _Britannia_ is a very expensive affair, and,
after all, when the amount of the Navy estimates, year by year, is
taken into consideration, forty or fifty thousand pounds does not seem
an extravagant sum to pay for the training of executive officers: it
will come a good deal heavier in the future, however.
The course of study will be found in the Appendix; but something
should be said about the masters and their work.
The instructional staff consists of the chief naval instructor, eight
naval instructors, two French masters, two drawing masters, one
English master, and one natural science master.
Of these, Mr. J. H. Spanton, the senior drawing master, has been 36
years in the ship; Mr. P. Brunel, the senior French master, 28 years;
Mr. Hamilton Williams, the English master, 27 years; and Mr. Tims, the
chief naval instructor, is in his twentieth year. In the past, there
have been several naval instructors who have remained for over 20
years--to wit, Mr. A. C. Johnson, 24 years; the Rev. J. C. P. Aldous,
23 years; Mr. W. W. Lane, 22 years; Mr. G. B. Mason, 22 years.
Mr. Aldous, it will be recollected, was appointed, in 1875, as chief
naval instructor, though he had never been connected with the Service
in any capacity; during his long tenure of office he retained the
goodwill of all his colleagues, and entirely justified his selection
by the Admiralty for this important post.
Mr. Johnson was--and is--an enthusiast in the science of navigation,
and has published several books on the subject, one of which--on
finding the position of the ship at sea, by observations, in cloudy
weather--has run into over five-and-twenty editions. He also edited a
text-book on trigonometry for the use of the cadets.
[Illustration: MR. G. B. MASON.]
The cadets are divided into two watches, and those who join each term
are divided into two classes, half of each class being in either
watch. Thus, if 64 cadets join in one term, they would be known as
first and second class starboard and first and second class port; and
as one watch is always "out of study"--_i.e._ at seamanship or other
work--the class actually present with the naval instructor would
number sixteen. A cadet captain has charge of this sixteen, and has to
see that they enter and leave the study quietly, and pay due attention
to whatever work they may be about, in the absence of the instructor.
There is also an excellent arrangement by which the boys of each class
have to inform their captain every evening how they have employed
their leisure time; and this has to be accounted for under numerous
headings on a regular form provided for the purpose, and covering a
week, Sunday excepted. Thus, so many will be swimming, or
photographing, walking, playing cricket, tennis, racquets, fives,
etc.; or out in sailing boats or blue gigs, and so on; 23 headings in
all, including "punishment," the total number in the last column
showing that all the class have been accounted for each day; and this
form is presented to the captain on Sunday.
[Illustration: OFFICERS' QUARTERS.
_Photo: Cassell & Co., Ltd._]
The cadet captains are by this means made to feel that they have
certain responsibilities, while it constitutes a decided check on
aimless loafing, which is a bad thing for all boys.
It is now time to take leave of the _Britannia_. Her story has been
followed pretty closely for 46 years, from the day on which Captain
Harris received his first batch of cadets on board the _Illustrious_;
and it is hoped that the life on board and the various vicissitudes of
the ship under successive administrations have been described with
sufficient accuracy to give a true picture of this institution--an
institution which has had a bearing and influence upon the efficiency
of the Navy during all these years, the importance of which can
scarcely be overrated.
Sir William Martin stated nothing but the truth when he wrote to
Captain Harris, in 1861: "There is no man in England whose opportunity
of doing good to our country, for ages to come, is greater than
yours." And if it was true in regard to Captain Harris, it must be
held to be equally applicable to his successors in command, and, in a
lesser degree, to the large number of officers and masters who have
assisted them.
How have they discharged this heavy responsibility?
[Illustration: CADETS' DORMITORY.
_Photo: Cassell & Co., Ltd._]
It is impossible to pass a verdict otherwise than favourable on the
whole, keeping in mind, of course, the fact that those immediately
responsible for the conduct of the establishment were always under
orders, with regard to general principles, from the Admiralty.
Mistakes may have been made at headquarters, errors in discipline,
teaching, and so on, may have crept in on board from time to time. To
err is human, and a great administrative department such as the
British Admiralty must, of necessity, deal largely in compromises. You
cannot find, on this earth, any corporation, institution, or structure
which combines the highest degree of excellence in all the attributes
which go to make up its composition; and in the conduct of the
_Britannia_ there must always have been conflicting elements difficult
to reconcile.
Taking it all round, however, the general conclusion must be that the
_Britannia_ has done right well, and that those who have been
responsible for her management have done their best in the interests
of the Service.
That no pains have been spared in perfecting equipment, organisation,
discipline, recreation, must be patent to all who have taken the
trouble to read these pages--otherwise they have certainly been
written in vain--and if any further proof be needed, a visit to
Dartmouth will dispel all doubts.
The visit must not be delayed too long, however; the last days of the
_Britannia_ are approaching, and in a year or two the familiar twin
hulls, with the connecting bridge, and the flotilla of steam and
sailing boats clustered about them, will have disappeared. The last
batch of cadets under the old regulations will be entered in November,
1905; and it is probable that, if space permit, they will be housed in
the College now rising on the hill, while the ship may be kept on for
a time as an overflow, or as a store for marine appliances, etc.
The old gives place to the new; but for many years to come there will
remain hundreds of officers who will look back with pleasure on their
life at Dartmouth, and who will ungrudgingly acknowledge the many
valuable lessons they learned in the "good old _Brit._"
* * * * *
A few concluding words are necessary in order to describe the new
system which is to take the place of the _Britannia_.
Years ago, when the Naval Academy was first instituted, the question
of the necessity, or at least the advisability, of some previous
training for boys, before sending them to sea, was mooted. In those
days it was partial, a large number continuing to join their ships
straight from school; then the scheme was dropped for twenty years,
until Captain Harris came to the front, and previous training was made
compulsory.
There were many dissentient voices at that time, and for years
subsequently there were not wanting those who maintained that more
efficient officers would ultimately be obtained upon what we have
alluded to as the "pitchfork" system.
Time, with its abnormally rapid changes of the last century, has,
however, solved the problem--as it eventually solves all
questions--and he would be a bold man, and a somewhat foolish one
withal, who would venture nowadays to advocate a policy of no previous
training.
The new regulations are of a revolutionary character, and--without
going into the merits of the question with regard to the amalgamation,
during probation, of the executive officers, Engineers, and Marine
officers, which has raised some discussion--the principal points are
as follow:--
The average age of entry is between 12 and 13.
All candidates are admitted, as before, by the nomination of the
Admiralty.
All are liable, at the expiration of their training, to be placed on
the strength as sub-lieutenants, Engineer sub-lieutenants, or
subalterns of Marines, as may be required; but the wishes of each
officer will be consulted as far as is compatible with the needs of
the Service.
In giving nominations, preference will be given, other things being
equal, to those applicants whose parents or guardians declare for them
that they are prepared to enter any of the three branches.
In the first circular issued, a competitive examination of a stiff
character was provided for; by a subsequent amendment, however, this
has been replaced by a qualifying examination, not of a very
formidable nature. So it is to be hoped that the anomaly of bestowing
a number of nominations, two-thirds of which cannot possibly come to
anything, is to be finally relegated to the past.
Examinations will be held three times each year, preceded by a medical
examination, the subjects being as follow:--
PART I.
1. English (including writing from dictation, simple composition,
and reproduction of the gist of a short passage twice read aloud
to the candidates).
2. History and geography:
(_a_) History (simple questions in English history and growth
of the British Empire).
(_b_) Geography (simple questions with special reference to
the British Empire).
3. French or German (importance will be attached to the oral
examination).
4. Arithmetic and algebra:
(_a_) Arithmetic (elementary, including vulgar and decimal
fractions).
(_b_) Algebra (to simple equations with easy problems).
5. Geometry (to include the subject matter of the first book of
Euclid, or its equivalent in experimental geometry and mensuration).
The use of instruments and of algebraical methods will be allowed.
PART II.
(_One only to be taken._)
6. Latin (easy passages for translation from Latin into English,
and from English into Latin, and simple grammatical questions).
7. A second modern language (of which, if not French or German,
notice must be previously given), or an advanced examination in
the language selected under Part I.
8. Experimental science (easy questions with the object of
testing practical knowledge and powers of observation).
On passing this examination candidates will be sent to the training
establishments for four years.
Instruction will comprise an extension of the present _Britannia_
course, and a thorough elementary instruction in physics, marine
engineering, etc., including the use of tools and machines.
Instruction will also be carried out in small vessels attached to the
establishment.
Examinations will be held during the second and fourth year of
training. Cadets who fail to pass will be withdrawn. Parents or
guardians are required to sign a declaration on the admission of a
cadet to the training establishment to the effect that he shall be
immediately withdrawn on the receipt of an official intimation of his
being considered unfit for the Navy.
After leaving the training establishment cadets will go to sea, and
will then be instructed in seamanship, navigation, pilotage, gunnery,
mechanics, and engineering by the specialised officers of the ship.
After three years, each midshipman who has passed the qualifying
examinations will become an acting sub-lieutenant.
Acting sub-lieutenants go to Greenwich Royal Naval College and to
Portsmouth for final instruction in the subjects they studied while
midshipmen at sea.
On conclusion of their examination in these subjects, having reached
the age of 19 or 20, sub-lieutenants will be distributed between the
executive and engineer branches of the Navy and the Royal Marines. No
sub-lieutenant will be required to join any branch for which he did
not enter as a boy when applying for a nomination.
Such are, briefly, the regulations under which--simultaneously with
those who, between 14-1/2 and 15-1/2 years of age, are going in for
the last of the old system--cadets are now being entered.
The training establishments alluded to consist of the colleges at
Dartmouth and Osborne, with such steam vessels as may be necessary for
instruction afloat.
The Dartmouth College is, however, very far from being completed, but
our illustration gives a truthful picture of its future appearance.
It is reproduced from an original drawing, kindly lent by Mr. Aston
Webb, R.A., the architect.
The Dartmouth College has some pretensions, as has been seen, to
artistic merit in appearance, and will, in fact, be a very handsome
and effective building on its commanding site.
Those who look for anything of this nature at Osborne will, however,
be grievously disappointed. The College in the Isle of Wight is
utilitarian to the last degree; so much so as to render any criticism
of the buildings from an artistic point of view quite out of the
question.
There is a reason for this, however; and the reason is that it had to
be prepared for the reception of the first batch of cadets under the
new scheme in July, 1903; and at the beginning of that year it had
literally no existence.
Having decided upon the adoption of this scheme, and deeming it
imperative that it should be brought into operation as speedily as
possible, the Admiralty had no option but to "rush" the College into
existence; and the King having sanctioned its erection at Osborne, it
was rushed accordingly. Sir John Fisher, who had this arrangement in
hand, and very much at heart, is perhaps better qualified for getting
the maximum amount of work done in the minimum time than any officer
in the Service.
[Illustration: THE OLD STABLE YARD, OSBORNE.]
The stables at Osborne House formed the nucleus of the new building;
and in close proximity to these--which were promptly adopted for
various purposes--there were run up a series of bungalow
erections--dormitories, officers' quarters, and so on--constructed of
timber and a kind of hard plaster known as "uralite."
[Illustration: THE NEW COLLEGE, DARTMOUTH.
_From the Design by Aston Webb, R.A._]
The illustrations give a correct idea of their general appearance; and
though, as has been observed, they are utilitarian rather than
ornamental, they are very well fitted in every way, and quite up to
date. There are twenty-five beds in a dormitory, and room for a few
more if necessary; each cadet's chest stands at the foot of his bed,
and a wash-stand beside it; there is a plunge bath, with three
ordinary ones, at the end of the dormitory, and a capital lavatory
besides, for use in the daytime.
The officers' quarters are very comfortable and well furnished, and
the cabins are of sufficiently liberal dimensions to be dignified by
the name of rooms.
The whole establishment is lit by electric light, the current being
brought from Newport at a high voltage, and transformed at East Cowes,
so as to be delivered at 240 volts.
The playing fields are very large in extent--much larger than those at
Dartmouth--and though they are now somewhat in the rough, they will in
time be excellent, the subsoil being gravel and the drainage
consequently very good.
The officers of the Osborne College are to be found in the "Navy List"
under our old friend the _Racer_, formerly attached as a rigged
cruising vessel to the _Britannia_, but now denuded of her yards and
sails, and used as an instructional ship for the College.
Captain R. E. Wemyss is in command at Osborne, and his staff comprises
a commander, four lieutenants, two engineer lieutenants, and an
engineer sub-lieutenant, a captain Royal Marine Artillery, chaplain,
staff surgeon, surgeon, staff paymaster, and assistant paymaster,
besides some warrant officers and petty officers for instructional and
disciplinary purposes.
There are also eight masters for studies, who do not, however, at
present reside in the College, but have a comfortable sitting-room
appropriated to them.
More dormitories, etc., are in course of construction, in anticipation
of a considerable increase of numbers in the near future.
This does not, however, include the whole establishment, for down by
the river-side, about three-quarters of a mile distant, there is an
excellent workshop, with all necessary machines of the latest
description, run by electric motors. This was also run up in record
time, but is built of brick, and in every respect most workmanlike and
suitable for its purpose.
There are--in October, 1903--about eighty cadets, whose course is in
full swing, and who appear to be thoroughly happy and comfortable, and
keen about work and play alike.
The workshop appears to possess a tremendous attraction for them; and,
judging by the eagerness with which they race for their places and
tackle the tools, practical mechanics is not going to be a difficulty
in the new scheme.
A substantial pier is being constructed on the river, and various
improvements are being rapidly carried out.
How the course is to be apportioned between the two Colleges is not
precisely settled at present; but it is almost certain that the cadets
will commence at one--probably Osborne--and, after two years or so, be
transferred to the other to complete their course.
Such is briefly the educational arrangement for our future naval
officers; the scheme excited a good deal of adverse comment when it
was announced, and only experience, of course, can demonstrate its
merits and defects. It has been inaugurated with a great deal of
energy, and certainly appears to promise well, at any rate in the
probationary stage. With later developments, which some people predict
will bring a certain degree of failure, we are not concerned just now.
It is obvious, however, that some radical change was necessary, and
half measures are seldom successful; so it is as well, perhaps, that
the authorities have "taken the bull by the horns," and had the
courage of their convictions.
APPENDIX I.
_RULES AND ORDERS FOR THE NAVAL ACADEMY (issued from the Admiralty,
November 1st, 1773)._
Article I.
Sons of noblemen and gentlemen only are eligible for admission, not
under twelve or over fifteen; except fifteen sons of commissioned
officers of H.M. Fleet, who are to be educated at the public expense,
and (by Order in Council of October 8th, 1773) may be admitted from
eleven to fourteen years of age.
Article II.
Every scholar is to pass a preliminary examination, to show that he is
qualified to enter upon the plan of education adopted at the Academy.
Article III.
The master, ushers, and scholars are to be appointed by the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty, who may dismiss them at any time.
Article IV.
The Commissioner of the Dockyard for the time being is to be governor
of the Academy.
Article V.
The master is to reside in quarters provided in the building.
Article VI.
Teachers are also to reside in the building, provided there is room,
and are to furnish their quarters at their own expense.
Article VII.
The scholars are to have separate chambers, and to board with the
master, who is to receive £25 per head per annum, and no more; to keep
a decent table, find washing, fire, candles, towels, table and bed
linen, and necessary utensils.
Article VIII.
The master is to keep a register of the scholars, showing the day of
their first appearance, times absent, and day of discharge.
Article IX.
The master is to treat all scholars alike, and to see that the
teachers do likewise, except in the matter of such encouragement as
may be due to those who distinguish themselves by diligence.
Article X.
No scholar is to keep a servant, but is to content himself with the
attendance provided.
Article XI.
Every scholar is to be provided yearly, at his own expense, with a new
suit of blue clothes against his Majesty's birthday, conformable to a
pattern lodged with the master, except sons of sea officers, who are
to be allowed £5 to provide the said suit.
Article XII.
The master is to see that the scholars are neat and decent in dress,
and that they pay due respect to the officers of the yard when they
meet.
Article XIII.
The scholars are to be instructed in writing, arithmetic, drawing,
navigation, gunnery, fortification, and other useful parts of
mathematics; also in French, dancing, fencing, and the exercise of the
firelock. The master is to settle a plan for a regular course of
studies, subject to the approval of the Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty.
Article XIV.
The hours are to be the same as those of the shipwrights, except half
an hour for breakfast and one and a half hour for dinner; no
intermission or holiday being allowed except such as are observed in
the Dockyard, and Saturday afternoon.
Article XV.
The scholars are constantly to go to church on Sundays and other days
of public worship.
Article XVI.
A complete set of arms and accoutrements is to be provided for each
scholar at his Majesty's expense, to be kept by the fencing master
until issued.
Article XVII.
After one year scholars are to be taught fencing and the use of the
firelock.
Article XVIII.
The fencing master is to see that the arms, etc., are kept in good
order.
Article XIX.
If any of the scholars shall lose or spoil their arms or
accoutrements, the master is to provide others for them at their
parents' expense, and to give them due correction.
Article XX.
Scholars when at drill are to wear their blue clothes, unless
dispensed by the Governor.
Article XXI.
The Commissioner is to visit and inspect the studies and behaviour of
the scholars and methods of instruction, and report to the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty.
Article XXII.
No scholar is to be allowed out of the Dockyard without the
Commissioner's leave, after obtaining written permission from the
master to apply for it. A second offence against this rule is to be
reported to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
Article XXIII.
During the first year punishments shall consist of the rod, task, or
confinement, at the discretion of the master. More serious faults to
be punished by expulsion by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
Article XXIV.
After one year punishments shall consist of task or confinement by the
master, confinement under sentry's charge by the governor, loss of
time for passing, or expulsion.
Article XXV.
A scholar who has been expelled shall never be admitted into the Royal
Navy.
Article XXVI.
The Commissioner, upon application of parents or guardians, may give
leave either at Christmas or Whitsuntide for three weeks. Any scholar
who absents himself at other times, even by leave, or breaks his
leave, shall lose the time. Absence without leave shall be punished by
expulsion or otherwise by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
Article XXVII.
After one year scholars shall be excused from school two afternoons in
each week, and the Commissioner shall direct one of the masters
attendant to carry them one afternoon into the rigging house,
storehouses, and sail lofts, and to take them afloat, etc.
Article XXVIII.
On another afternoon the master shipwright is to instruct them in ship
construction, etc.
Article XXIX.
The Commissioner may order a vessel of small size to be placed near,
and make the scholars rig and unrig her; and two guns are to be placed
on board, with powder and shot and all accessories, with an
experienced gunner from a ship-in-ordinary to instruct them.
Article XXX.
No scholar is to remain less than two, or more than three, years,
except the sons of sea officers, who must remain three, and may remain
five, years, unless they have finished their plan sooner and their
parents desire them to go to sea. But they are not in any case to
remain beyond the age of seventeen. In the first week of March each
year an account of the qualification of each scholar is to be sent in,
with a view to sending him to sea if qualified.
Article XXXI.
On a scholar being discharged to sea the master is to give a
certificate of the time spent in the Academy, deducting times of
absence (except three weeks each year), and time forfeited as
punishment.
Article XXXII.
A scholar on leaving is to leave his arms with the fencing master.
Article XXXIII.
On scholars leaving, vacancies are to be filled and numbers kept up in
each class.
Article XXXIV.
Scholars on joining his Majesty's ships shall be kept to the duties of
seamen, but with the privilege of walking the quarter-deck, and shall
be allotted a proper place to lie in, but no cabins; and shall be
rated on the ship's books as "Volunteers by Order," and receive able
seaman's pay.
Article XXXV.
The captain shall make Volunteers keep journals, and draw the
appearance of headlands, coasts, bays, and such like; and the master,
boatswain, and schoolmaster shall instruct them.
Article XXXVI.
After two years at sea the captain shall rate them midshipman
ordinary--or midshipman, if qualified.
Article XXXVII.
Scholars shall have liberty while at Portsmouth to visit the Academy
and be instructed there, and in the yard, gratis.
Article XXXVIII.
On returning from a foreign voyage they shall bring their journals to
the master of the Academy for his inspection, and he will also examine
them and represent to the Secretary to the Admiralty how he finds they
have improved.
Article XXXIX.
The captain shall give a certificate on their leaving the ship as to
sobriety, obedience, diligence, and skill; and also of the time they
have served as Volunteer or midshipman.
Article XL.
When a Volunteer by Order is paid off, upon bringing his certificate
of good behaviour to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty they
may, if he desires it, give orders for him to have free use of the
Academy.
Article XLI.
Volunteers educated in the Academy, and sent from thence by order of
the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to serve in his Majesty's
ships, shall be qualified, in point of time, for lieutenants after so
many years' service at sea as, together with the time specified in the
certificate given them upon leaving the Academy (not exceeding three
years for the sons of sea officers before mentioned) shall complete
the term of six years, provided they have served two years thereof as
mates, midshipmen, or midshipmen ordinary in his Majesty's ships, and
are not under twenty years of age, but shall pass the usual
examination of their abilities before they can be preferred.
APPENDIX II.
_ADMIRALTY CIRCULAR of February 23rd, 1857 (in so far as it relates to
Naval Cadets)._
I. A naval cadet must, on nomination, be not less than thirteen or
more than fifteen years of age.
II. He must undergo the examination at the Royal Naval College within
three months of the date of nomination.
III. He must produce a certificate of birth, or a declaration of the
date of birth, made before a magistrate.
IV. He must be in good health, free from impediment of speech, defect
of vision, rupture, etc.
V. The subjects in which a cadet is required to pass are as follows:--
Between thirteen and fourteen years of age:
(1) To write from dictation legibly and correctly.
(2) To read, parse, and translate an easy passage from some Latin or
French author (the use of a dictionary is allowed).
(3) To have a satisfactory knowledge of the leading facts of Scripture
and English history.
(4) Modern geography, including the principal countries, capitals,
mountains, and rivers, etc.; and to be able to point out a place on
the map if the latitude and longitude are given.
(5) Arithmetic, including the four first rules, proportion, and a fair
knowledge of vulgar and decimal fractions.
(6) Algebra, including fractions.
Above the age of fourteen, in addition to the above:
(1) The use of the globes, correct definition of latitude, longitude
azimuth, amplitude, and other circles.
(2) Vulgar and decimal fractions.
(3) Algebra, simple equations.
(4) The first book of Euclid.
(5) Plane trigonometry and its application to the solution of easy
problems.
A knowledge of drawing is recommended.
VI. A cadet on passing will be appointed to a training ship at
Portsmouth or Devonport for at least three months.
VII. Quarterly examinations will be held on board the training ship,
and any cadet who considers that he is competent may present himself
for examination in sheet No. 1 and seamanship. If found qualified, he
will be sent to a sea-going ship.
VIII. Any cadet who fails to pass his examination within the periods
stated below will be rejected:--
14 years 6 months on joining The second quarterly examination.
14 years and under 6 months The third quarterly examination.
Under 14 years The fourth quarterly examination.
Any cadet of indifferent conduct will be reported by the captain to
the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, who may dismiss him
summarily.
IX. No cadet will be allowed to count more than three months in the
training ship towards sea-time.
BOOKS, ETC. REQUIRED ON ENTRY.
Sextant, box of mathematical instruments, spyglass, French grammar and
dictionary (including sea terms), a book on navigation, Euclid's
Elements, geography, book on the use of mathematical and nautical
instruments, book on the steam engine, Colenso's Arithmetic and
Algebra, Jeans' Trigonometry.
The examination on leaving the training ship is to include all the
subjects of the examination on entry except Latin, and the following
in addition:--
Arithmetic: involution, extraction of square root.
Algebra: simple equations.
The elements of geometry.
Plane trigonometry, including the solution of practical and useful
problems.
Spherical trigonometry: solution of triangles, and application to
nautical astronomy.
Navigation: day's work--meridian altitude, longitude by chronometer,
to be able to explain and use the sextant, azimuth compass, artificial
horizon, and theodolite.
French: any selection from the first fifty lessons in Ollendorf, and
to read, parse, and translate a passage.
A certificate must be obtained from the captain and the master of
proficiency in rigging, seamanship, etc.; also one of conduct and
attention from the naval instructor.
APPENDIX III.
_ADMIRALTY CIRCULAR, August 3rd, 1869._
The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having decided--
I. To increase the time during which naval cadets will be under
training;
II. To introduce the system of limited competition for naval
cadetships;
III. Still further to reduce the number of naval cadets entered
annually;
have been pleased to make the following regulations:--
(1) These regulations will take effect after the examination in
August, 1869.
(2) Two examinations for naval cadetships will be held annually, under
the direction of the Admiralty Director of Education--viz. on the
third Wednesday in June and the last Wednesday in November; but the
appointments as cadets of the successful candidates will date from
July 15th and January 15th.
(3) The first examination under these regulations will take place in
November, 1869.
(4) No candidate will be eligible for examination whose age will not
be within the prescribed limits on January 15th following; nor for
examination in June whose age will not be within the prescribed limits
on July 15th following.
(5) The limits of age for examination in November, 1869, will be not
less than 12 or more than 14; for June, 1870, 12 to 13-1/2; and
subsequently 12 to 13.
(6) The number to be entered at each examination is 37, and twice that
number will be nominated.
(7) Every candidate will be required to pass a medical examination.
(8) Every candidate must produce a certificate of birth, or
declaration before a magistrate; also of good conduct from his former
school, or from his tutor or clergyman.
(9) Every candidate will be required--
Marks.
(_a_) To read a passage from a modern English author
with intelligence 100
(_b_) To write English correctly from dictation 100
(_c_) To read, translate, and parse a passage from some
French author 100
(_d_) To be acquainted with the first four rules in
arithmetic, and vulgar and decimal fractions 150
(_e_) To have a fair knowledge of Scripture history 100
No candidate will be allowed to compete unless he obtain four-tenths
of the maximum marks in each subject, or 250 marks in the aggregate.
(10) Candidates so qualified will be examined in the following
subjects, as they may select:--
Marks.
(_f_) Arithmetic: miscellaneous examples 100
(_g_) Algebra: first four rules, and fractions 100
(_h_) Euclid, to Book I., proposition xxii. 100
(_i_) Translate English into French 100
(_k_) Latin: to translate a passage from Cæsar or
Virgil, and a passage of English into Latin 100
(_l_) English history: James I. to the present day 100
(_m_) Outlines of modern geography 100
(_n_) Any living language except French 100
(_o_) Elementary drawing 100
No marks amounting to less than one-sixth in voluntary subjects will
be counted towards the total.
(11) Candidates obtaining the necessary number of marks for passing,
but who are not successful, will be allowed a second trial without a
fresh nomination.
(12) Candidates who are rejected for the first time in August, 1869,
will be allowed a second trial, but they must compete with the others
on the same terms, and will be allowed no further trial.
(13) Candidates who fail to appear at the next examination after
nomination must obtain a fresh nomination, unless they are certified
as unfit to appear by a doctor, in which case non-appearance will be
considered equivalent to one failure, and they will be allowed a
second trial.
(14) Every flag officer (except an admiral superintendent of a
dockyard) will, on hoisting his flag, be allowed three nominations for
competition; commodores of the first class, two nominations; captains
appointed to a ship of any class (except captains of stationary
ships, captain superintendents of dockyards or victualling yards, and
the captain of the Royal yacht), one nomination; but no officer will
be allowed to exercise this right a second time within three years.
And no captain appointed to a ship during her commission will be
allowed a nomination if the right has been exercised within one year
by the previous captain.
(15) Seven nominations will be allowed annually to the Colonies.
(16) Cadets will be required to pay £70 per annum while in the
_Britannia_, and £50 for the twelve months in the sea-going training
ship; but a number, not exceeding twelve, of sons of Royal Naval or
Royal Marine officers, or of civil officers under the Board of
Admiralty, may be selected by the Admiralty for a payment of £40 per
annum.
(17) Successful cadets will be appointed to the _Britannia_.
(18) The date of entry of those who pass in June is to reckon from
July 15th following, and of those who pass in November from January
15th following.
(19) The period of training will be, as now, four terms, but there
will be two terms in each year instead of three--viz. from February to
July, and from August to December.
(20) An examination will be held at the end of each term, and an
intermediate one at Easter for cadets in their first year.
(21) Cadets who join in August, and pass an unsatisfactory examination
in December, will be warned that they will be discharged at Easter if
they do not improve. Cadets entered in January who pass
unsatisfactorily at Easter will be similarly warned for July. Any
cadet who passes badly at a subsequent examination will be discharged.
(22) Notice will be given of the minimum number of marks which must be
obtained at each examination.
(23) At the fourth term examination cadets will be classified
according to their merits in seamanship, study, and conduct, and will
be allowed time for their service in the _Britannia_ as follows:--
Study. Seamanship. Conduct.
First class 6 months 3 months 3 months.
Second class 3 months None 3 months.
Third class None None 3 months.
(24) The examination and rating of cadets as midshipmen in the
sea-going training ship is to be regulated according to the time noted
on their certificates:--
12 months' time Become midshipmen at once.
9 months' time Serve 3 months.
6 months' time Serve 6 months.
No time Serve 12 months.
(25) After passing their examination in the _Britannia_, cadets will
be appointed to a sea-going training ship for one year.
(26) Any cadet or midshipman who may during the three years' probation
have become subject to any physical defect likely to render him unfit
for service will be discharged.
(27) After six months in the sea-going training ship an examination
will be held, and again after twelve months. Any midshipman or cadet
failing at either will be discharged.
APPENDIX IV.
(_From "BRITANNIA" REGULATIONS, 1876._)
REGULATIONS RESPECTING CADETS WHILE UNDER TRAINING.
(1) The naval cadets who join the _Britannia_ are allowed four terms
(two in each year) to complete their course of study, at the
expiration of which they go up for final examination.
(2) The terms are from about February 1st to July 15th, and from about
August 31st to December 20th; and the vacations will be six weeks at
midsummer, five weeks at Christmas, and two weeks at Easter, the dates
of commencement of vacation depending upon the completion of the
examinations by the President, Royal Naval College, Greenwich.
(3) The friends of the cadets must be prepared to receive them during
all the vacations.
(4) The following payment will be required from the parents or
guardians of each cadet while in the _Britannia_:--Before the
commencement of each term, £35, except in the case of those received
at the reduced rate of £40 a year, whose half-yearly payments will be
£20 only.
(5) The payments are to be made according to instructions which will
be given in the half-yearly claim that will be made by the
Accountant-General upon the parents or guardians of the cadets.
(6) Great inconvenience having been experienced from these payments
not having been punctually made, cadets, although received until their
friends are communicated with, will not be considered as entered for
tuition until the amounts due have been received.
(7) All travelling expenses for cadets will be advanced by the
paymaster of the _Britannia_, who will charge the same to the cadet's
personal account at the end of each term.
(8) The cadets have a weekly allowance, and all expenses attending
their amusements are paid for by the ship. It is, therefore, requested
that their friends do not give them any money except on joining or on
their return from the vacations, and then the amount must not exceed
ten shillings. It is particularly requested that this regulation be
adhered to. Such money as may be required by a cadet for any special
circumstances will be advanced by the paymaster under the authority of
the captain of the _Britannia_.
(9) It is particularly requested that the cadets bring their linen
clean and clothes and boots in good order when they join the ship, and
also when they return from leave, and that the outfit as required be
complete.
(10) Cadets are not permitted to open an account with tradesmen.
Parents and guardians are, therefore, requested to pay no bills that
may be sent to them.
(11) Should there have been any infectious disease in the house where
the cadets have been staying during their holidays, notice of the
circumstance is to be given to the commanding officer of H.M.S.
_Britannia_; and they are not to join until they have received a
communication from him to that effect.
(12) All letters relative to the cadets should be addressed as
follows:--"The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. _Britannia_, Dartmouth."
(13) Should cadets bring valuable gold watches or chains with them to
the training ship, they will be taken from them and placed in security
until they return to their homes. Silver watches will be allowed to be
used.
(14) Parents or guardians of cadets must in all cases of permanent
change of residence communicate the same to the captain of the
training ship without delay.
ROUTINE FOR CADETS (SUMMER).
5.25 a.m. Turn out cadets for No. 2 punishment, etc.
5.30 a.m. Punishment No. 2 fall in.
6.30 a.m. Bugle call. Cadets turn out. Baths. Wednesday and
Saturday, bathe from shore if weather permits.
6.35 a.m. Dismiss No. 2 punishment cadets.
7.5 a.m. Warning bugle.
7.15 a.m. Muster and drill.
7.50 a.m. Bugle dismiss drills.
8.0 a.m. Prayers. Breakfast.
8.40 a.m. Bugle for cadet defaulters. Defaulters seen.
8.50 a.m. Muster. Studies as ordered.
10.20 a.m. Warn studies. Captains' reports. Defaulters seen.
11.55 a.m. Studies dismissed. Bugle wash hands, etc.
12.10 p.m. Dinner.
1.40 p.m. Muster. Studies as ordered.
4.5 p.m. Dismiss studies. Messroom muster (except Wednesdays,
Saturdays, and Sundays).
4.20 p.m. Cadets land. Defaulters drill. Bathe if weather permits.
6.45 p.m. Return on board.
7.0 p.m. Warning bugle.
7.10 p.m. Muster and dismiss.
7.15 p.m. Tea.
8.0 p.m. Evening study.
9.0 p.m. Dismiss evening studies.
9.15 p.m. Prayers.
9.45 p.m. Cadets turn in. Officer of the day goes round.
Saturdays, at noon, muster for payment.
ROUTINE FOR CADETS (WINTER).
5.25 a.m. Turn out cadets for No. 2 punishment, etc.
5.30 a.m. Punishment No. 2 fall in.
6.30 a.m. Bugle call. Cadets turn out. Baths.
6.35 a.m. Dismiss No. 2 punishment cadets.
7.5 a.m. Warning bugle.
7.15 a.m. Muster and drill.
7.50 a.m. Bugle dismiss drills.
8.0 a.m. Prayers. Breakfast.
8.40 a.m. Bugle for cadet defaulters. Defaulters seen. Warning bugle.
8.50 a.m. Muster. Studies as ordered.
10.20 a.m. Interval of ten minutes. Captains' reports.
12.0 a.m. Studies dismissed. Bugle wash hands, etc.
12.15 p.m. Dinner.
Cadets land. Defaulters muster and drill.
2.45 p.m. Return on board. Shift clothing and boots.
3.5 p.m. Messroom muster.
3.15 p.m. Warning bugle.
3.20 p.m. Muster. Studies as ordered.
4.50 p.m. Interval of ten minutes.
6.0 p.m. Dismiss studies.
6.30 p.m. Tea.
7.40 p.m. Evening study.
8.45 p.m. Study ceases.
9.0 p.m. Prayers.
9.30 p.m. Cadets turn in. Officer of the day goes round.
Wednesdays and Saturdays, return on board 5 p.m.
APPENDIX V.
H.M.S. "BRITANNIA." COURSE OF STUDIES.
=====================+=======================+========================
SUBJECTS. | First Term. | Second Term.
---------------------+-----------------------+------------------------
| |
ALGEBRA |Chaps. 1-26, omitting |Recapitulation.
_Hamblin Smith._ | s. 133, 141-153, 161, |Chaps. 27-32, omitting
(New Edition.) | 162, 175, 322, and | Chap. 30 and s. 410-412.
| Chaps. 18, 22, and 23.|
| |
EUCLID |Books I.-III. revised, |Recapitulation.
_Todhunter._ | VI. 1-13, 33 _a_. |Book IV. 1-5; XI. 4, 19,
| | 20, 21.
| |
TRIGONOMETRY |Chaps. 1-8, omitting |Recapitulation.
_Goodwin._ | Circular Measure. |Chaps. 11, 14, 16, 18,
Plane Theoretical, |10, 11, only 2 A. | 19.
Part I. |Exercises in Logs. and |Omit s. 74, 100-103.
| in solution of |Proofs of Methods used
| Triangles. | in solution of
| | Triangles, with their
| | adaptation to
| | Logarithmic
| | Computation, with
| | Examples.
| |
Spherical | |Chaps. 1, 2 to s. 28
Theoretical, Part | | inclusive.
II. | |
| |
NAVIGATION |Plane Sailing, Traverse|Parallel, Mid. Latitude,
| Sailing, Definitions, | and Mercator's
| and Examples. | Sailings.
| |Correcting Courses.
| |All necessary
| | Definitions.
| |Windward and Current
| | Sailing.
| |
NAUTICAL ASTRONOMY | |Lat. by Mer. Altitude.
| |
INSTRUMENTS |Sextant.--Parts and Adjustments, Principles of
| construction of Sextant, Vernier, and
| Artificial Horizon. Reading, taking Angles
| and Index Error.
|Compass.--Thomson, Parts of, and use. Taking
| bearings by.
| |
CHARTS |Admiralty Charts and Plans.--Use of. Plotting
| positions by latitude and longitude, and by
| cross bearings.
|Mercator's Chart.--Drawing. Plotting positions
| on. Course and Distance made good. Set and
| drift of Current. Shape a Course.
|
|Practical use of Chart and Compass when away
| in _Racer_.
| |
STEAM AND STEAM |Measurements. |Recapitulation.
MACHINERY |Metals. |Combustion.
|Riveted Joints. |Evaporation.
|Screw Fastenings. |Valves and Cocks.
|Friction. |Heat.
|Mechanics. |
| |
FRENCH |Practical Instruction. |Practical Instruction.
|Grammar: Substantive, |Recapitulation.
| Adjective, Pronoun, |Elementary Syntax.
| regular and irregular |Past Participle, etc.
| Verbs. |
|Interrogative and |
| Negative Sentences. |
|Conversation. |Conversation.
| |
DRAWING |Simple Models, and |
| copies. |
| |
DRAWING, MECHANICAL |Simple Solids. |Orthographic Projection,
|Plans and Elevations. | Simple Solids, Plans,
| | Elevations, and
| | Sections.
=====================+=======================+========================
SUBJECTS. | Third Term. | Fourth Term.
---------------------+-----------------------+------------------------
| |
ALGEBRA | |
_Hamblin Smith._ | |
(New Edition.) | |
| |
EUCLID | |
_Todhunter._ | |
| |
TRIGONOMETRY |Revision. |Revision.
_Goodwin._ |Circular Measure. |
Plane Theoretical, |Chap. 12 (0 deg.-360 |
Part I. | deg.). |
|Problems. |
| |
Spherical |Chap. 3, omitting s. |Solution of Spherical
Theoretical, Part | 40, 41, 47, with | Triangles as applied
II. | Examples. | to Astronomical
|Chap. 5, s. 57, 58. | Problems.
|Chap. 6, s. 64. |
| |
NAVIGATION |Dead Reckoning. |Practical Navigation
|Great Circle Sailing. | Paper, Explanations
| Log Line. | of all necessary
|Conversion of Arc into | Rules and Definitions.
| Time. |
|Necessary Proofs, |
| Definitions, and |
| Corrections. |
| |
NAUTICAL ASTRONOMY |Longitude by Sun Chron.|
|Problems in Hour Angle |Astronomical Problems.
| Triangle. |
| |
INSTRUMENTS |Sextant.--Parts and Adjustments, Principles of
| construction of Sextant, Vernier, and
| Artificial Horizon. Reading, taking Angles
| and Index Error.
|Compass.--Thomson, Parts of, and use. Taking
| bearings by.
| |
CHARTS |Admiralty Charts and Plans.--Use of. Plotting
| positions by latitude and longitude, and by
| cross bearings.
|Mercator's Chart.--Drawing. Plotting positions
| on. Course and Distance made good. Set and
| drift of Current. Shape a Course.
|
|Practical use of Chart and Compass when away
| in _Racer_.
| |
STEAM AND STEAM |Recapitulation. |Recapitulation.
MACHINERY |Pump (lift, force, and |Shafts, Bearings, etc.
| centrifugal). |Condenser.
|Hydraulic Jack. |Expansive Working.
|Boiler Mountings. |I.H.P. Screw Propeller.
|Cylinder and Piston. |
|Slide Valve, Eccentric |
| and Link Motion. |
|Hydrostatics. |
|Conversion of Motion. |
| |
FRENCH |Practical Instruction. |Practical Instruction.
|Recapitulation. |Recapitulation.
|Syntax of Subjunctive. |Dictations,
|Dictations, | Translations, Naval
| Translations, Naval | Terms.
| Terms. |
|Conversation. |Conversation.
| |
DRAWING |Topographical |Topographical
| Sketching. | Sketching from Outside
|Oblique Perspective. | Nature.
| |
DRAWING, MECHANICAL |Plans, Elevations, and |Rough Figured Sketches
| Sections of parts of | from Parts of Machinery
| Machinery. | and Fair Drawings from
| | them.
SEAMANSHIP COURSE. H.M.S. "BRITANNIA." 1901.
-------------------+--------------------+--------------------+------
| FIRST TERM. | SECOND TERM. |
-------------------+--------------------+--------------------+------
Subject. | Amount Required. | Amount Required. |Marks.
-------------------+--------------------+--------------------+------
Construction. |A Knowledge of the |Names of all parts | 35
| Different Rigs of | of a Modern |
| all British Sailing| Battleship. Keels, |
| Ships and Boats, | Frames, Plating, |
| and general | Planking, Armour |
| appearance. | and Protection. |
|Description of "Men | Subdivision and |
| of War." | Double Bottom. |
| | |
Bends and Hitches. |General Knowledge |As taught. Long, | 25
Knots and Splices. | as taught. | Short, and Eye. |
Stropping Blocks. | | |
| | |
Tackles. | ---- | ---- |
| | |
Rigging and Spars. |To know the names |As in First Term, | 15
| and parts of all | and to name all |
| Spars, Masts, and | Running Rigging. |
| Yards of Modern | |
| Ships. | |
|To point out and | |
| name all Standing | |
| Rigging. | |
| | |
Practical. |Going aloft over |As in First Term. |
| Mast Head, and | |
| laying in and out | |
| on Yards. | |
| | |
Sails. | ---- |Names of Sails. | 5
| | |
Compass. |To box in Points. |To box in 1/4 | 15
| | Points. |
| | |
Signals. |To describe Pendants|To describe | 30
| and Numeral Flags. | Alphabetical Flags,|
|Foreign Ensigns. | Numerals with |
|Make and take in | Meanings, Pendants |
| Semaphore. | with Meanings. |
| |Semaphore with | 15
| | Signs. |
| |Morse with Flags. | 15
| | |
Rule of the Road. | ---- | ---- |
| | |
Anchors and Cables.| ---- | ---- |
| | |
Log and Lead. | ---- |Hand Log and Lead, | 15
| | and Sir W. |
| | Thompson's Sounding|
| | Machine. |
| | |
Boats. |Pulling and |Handling a Boat | 30
| Steering. | under Oars, and |
|General knowledge | making and |
| under Oars. | shortening Sail. |
-------------------+--------------------+--------------------+------
| THIRD TERM. | FOURTH TERM. |
-------------------+--------------------+--------------------+------
Subject. | Amount Required. | Amount Required. |Marks.
-------------------+--------------------+--------------------+------
| | |
Construction. |Ventilation, |As in previous | 90
| Pumping and | Terms and all |
| Flooding, etc. | Definitions. |
| Buoyancy and some | |
| Definitions. | |
| | |
Bends and Hitches. |As in previous |As in previous | 50
Knots and Splices. | Terms. | Terms. |
Stropping Blocks. | | |
| | |
Tackles. |Description and use |As in previous Terms| 15
| of Principal Ones. | and Knowledge of |
| | Power. |
| | |
Rigging and Spars. |As in previous |As in previous | 30
| Terms, with the | Terms, with |
| use, etc. | Knowledge of |
| | Derricks Modern |
| | Ships, working by |
| | hand and steam. |
| | Hoisting Boats in |
| | and out. |
| | |
Practical. |Rigging Sheers and |As in previous | 25
| Derricks for | Terms. |
| lifting Weights. | |
| | |
Sails. |As in previous |As in previous | 15
| Terms. | Terms, and bending |
| | Fore and Aft Sails.|
| | |
Compass. |Good general |A Thorough | 40
| Knowledge. | Knowledge. |
| | |
Signals. |To describe |As in previous | 200
| Alphabetical Flags | Terms, with |
| and Meanings. | application of |
| Special Flags and | Boat's Signal Book.|
| Meanings. |Night Signalling. |
| Semaphore Flags. |Fog Signals. |
| International code.| |
| Flashing Lamp. | |
| Helm and Speed | |
| Signals. | |
| | |
Rule of the Road. |A Knowledge of |As in previous | 65
| Lights carried by | Terms, and the |
| Vessels and Boats | General Knowledge |
| under way and at | of the Principles |
| anchor. | of the Rule of the |
| | Road. |
| | |
Anchors and Cables.|General Knowledge of| As in the previous | 60
| parts of Anchors, | Term. |
| Cables, Shackles, | The Principles of |
| Swivel and Deck | Mooring and the |
| Stopper. Number | Meaning of Foul |
| supplied. Also to | Hawse. |
| bring Ship to an | |
| Anchor, and Weigh | |
| and Cat. | |
| | |
Log and Lead. |As in previous |As in previous | 30
| Term. Hand and | Terms. Marking of |
| Patents. | Deep Sea Line. |
| | |
Boats. |Management of Boat |As in previous | 80
| under Oars, Sail, | Terms. Principal |
| and Steam. | Duties of |
|Hoisting and | Midshipman of Boat |
| Lowering Boats. | under Oars, Sail, |
| | and Steam. |
APPENDIX VI.
_THE COST OF THE "BRITANNIA."_
Parliamentary Papers called for in 1882 show the cost from September,
1863--when the ship was brought to Dartmouth--to January 1st, 1882, as
follows:--
£
(1) The breaking up value of _Britannia_ and _Hindostan_ 19,925
(2) Cost of fitting new ship (_Prince of Wales_) and
_Hindostan_, and subsequent alterations 27,842
(3) Cost of moving ship, and moorings 2,890
(4) Repairs since first fitted, all changes, etc.
(including all tenders, boats, etc.) 30,545
(5) Sick quarters, lodgings, recreation grounds, and all
shore expenses 20,204
(6) Pay and provisions for officers, cadets, ship's
company, travelling expenses, etc. 597,995
--------
£699,401
Contributions from parents 120,832
--------
£578,569
In order to arrive at amount actually expended for
maintenance, deduct amounts 1, 2, and 3 45,657
--------
£532,912
========
Expense per annum for 18-1/4 years, £29,200.
This is at the rate of something like £240 per head per annum; but so
much was done in making the recreation grounds, improving the ships,
etc., that it is scarcely a fair statement of maintenance.
The estimates for 1882-3:--
£
Gross 33,643
Parents' contributions 8,400
-------
£25,243
Provision is made for 130 cadets. Cost per head per annum, £194.
* * * * *
The estimates for 1901-1902:--
£
Gross 49,570
Parents' contributions 18,500
-------
£31,070
Provision is made for 265 cadets. Cost per head per annum, £117.
INDEX.
Academy, The Royal Naval:
Letters from Admiralty to Navy Board, 6, 7;
delay and alterations in building, 8;
course of study, 8;
instructional staff, 9;
governor, 9;
expenses for furniture, 10;
uniform introduced, 10;
expenses of scholars, 10;
new regulations, 10;
reports of head master and governor, 11;
final certificate, 11;
Captain Broke's work book, 12;
prejudice against scholars, 14
Admiralty committees:
Of 1874, 94;
drastic changes, 94;
competition detrimental, 94;
good physique of cadets, 96;
a college on shore recommended, 96;
an academic view, 96;
Captain Foley's improvements, 97;
cadets as witnesses, 97;
the captain as schoolmaster, 98;
Admiral Ryder's evidence, 98;
Dr. Woolley's evidence, 99;
report presented, 100;
test examination, 100;
Latin _v._ French, 100;
of 1885, 137;
points for consideration, 138;
heads of report, 138;
suggestions, 138;
recommendations, 141;
result _nil_, 141
Admiralty nominations, 3;
King's letter the forerunner of, 3;
abolition of suggested, 138
Age regulation, absence of, 3;
changes in, 18, 25, 33, 80, 91, 120, 167
Aldous, Rev. J. C. P., 93, 239
Alfred, Prince, 49
Ambulance lessons, 136
_Ariadne_, sea-going training ship, supersedes _Bristol_, 88;
boat disaster, 91;
paid off, 93
_Arrow_ schooner, 161
Assault at arms, 197, 220
_Aurora_, sea-going training ship, commissioned, 234;
her cruise, 235
Bass, Mr. M. T., M.P., 75
Bathing, 152
Beagles, institution of, 103;
prosperity of, 132;
prizes for whips, 197;
editor's advice on, 212;
presentation of new hounds, 220;
start a fox, 220
Bedford, Captain F. G. D., 141, 142
Billiards, 231
Black Hole, The, 25, 29
Bounds a source of trouble, 87
Bowden-Smith, Captain N., 137, 142
Bowles, Mr. T. G., M.P., 147
Boxing, 219, 220
Breakfast, A good, 151
_Britannia_:
Her story commences, 39;
selected to supersede _Illustrious_, 50;
former ships of the name, 51;
cadets turned over to her, 52;
in the 'sixties, 53-81;
early arrangements on board, 53;
voyage to Portland, 60;
voyage to Dartmouth, 71;
the fifth of the name, 80;
in the 'seventies, 82-117;
in the 'eighties, 118-143;
in the 'nineties, 144-187;
unaccountable jealousy of, 181;
games, 190-229;
latest arrangements on board, 230;
cost of, 238;
conclusion and summing up, 240
_Bristol_, sea-going training ship, 78
Broke, Captain Philip B. V.:
His work book, 12;
_Shannon_ and _Chesapeake_, 12, 14;
Inman's hints to, 22
Brunel, Mr. P., 238
Bullying, at Royal Naval College, 30;
in Captain Randolph's time, 75;
in 1877, 104;
held to be a most serious offence, 112;
in Captain Digby's time, 144;
the _Times_ on, 144;
correspondence on, 145-149;
views of "Navilus" on, 163
Cadet captains, 54, 109, 111, 145, 239
Cadet corporals, 44;
a ribald rhyme about, 45;
rousing cadets, 55;
abolished, 164
Cadet Cox, Fatal accident to, 62
Captain's servants, 2
Chapel on board, 155, 232
"Cheeky new fellows," 56
Chief gunner's mates, 164, 167
Chief of the staff, 164
Childers, Mr., 106
Children entered as officers, 3, 4
College on shore, discussed in 1870, 87;
recommended by committee of 1874, 94;
committee on site for, 103
College, The new, at Dartmouth, 182;
laying the foundation-stone, 183;
at Osborne, 245;
the Royal Naval, 8;
Order in Council establishing, 16;
Professor Inman appointed, 19;
date of opening, 22;
a master's untimely optimism, 22;
close quarters, 23;
course of study, 23;
the "college sheet," 25;
opened to commissioned officers, 26;
the end approaches, 26;
closed, 27;
a new phase of existence, 31
College volunteers, 32, 33
Competition introduced on entry, 79;
abolished, 100;
reintroduced, 119;
modified, 120;
finally abolished, 243
Corbett, Captain J., 77
Corfield, Professor, 179
Corporal punishment, at the Royal Naval College, 25, 29;
introduced on _Britannia_, 70;
questions on in House of Commons, 75;
abolished, 76;
humanitarian fads on, 77;
mentioned in regulations, 115;
referred to in the _Times_, 146
Corry, Mr. W., 75
Cricket, no early records, 188;
proficiency of officers in, 191;
presumptuous youngsters, 192;
improvement in form, 211;
a dry season, 212;
Lord Harris's maxims, 213;
great scores by third XI., 214, 216, 227;
Sir Bedivel the Bold, 215;
description of a match day, 222;
good play by Engineer lieutenants, 226;
Lieutenant De Burgh, 226, 228;
a curious misunderstanding, 227;
keep your ground clock right, 228;
a successful season, 228;
Dr. Bobardt, 226, 228;
splendid playing fields, 228.
Matches:
officers _v._ cadets, 192;
_Britannia_ _v._ Mr. Denison's XI., 193;
Engineer students, 192, 196;
Exeter Grammar School, 212;
King Edward's School, 227;
Mannamead School, 214, 216;
M.C.C., 206;
Montpelier School, 212, 226;
Newton Blues, 213;
Newton College, 193;
Paignton School, 212, 213;
Plymouth C.C., 195;
Plymouth Garrison, 193, 195;
Royal Marines, 195, 196, 202, 213;
Royal Naval College, 193;
Stratford-on-Avon, 222;
Teignbridge, 202, 205, 210, 224;
Torquay, 195, 210;
Totnes School, 216
Dacres, Admiral Sir S. C., 40
Dancing, 9, 17, 153, 173
_Dapper_, tender to _Britannia_, 88, 131
Dartmouth, arrival of _Britannia_, 71;
bluejackets as navvies, 72;
selected as best site for a college in 1876, 103
Digby, Captain N. S. F., 142, 144, 146, 148, 149
Dinner, a satisfactory, 152;
result of misbehaviour at, 152
Discipline, 25, 44