Every effort will be made to afford to those, who may be willing to join the Royal Naval Artillery Volunteers, the necessary facilities for learning their drills. For the London brigade, the 'Rainbow,' a gun vessel well adapted for the purpose, is now being fitted out at Chatham. This vessel will be ready in two months from the date of this publication; and, when completed, will be moored in the Thames in a convenient position, off Somerset House. Should such an arrangement be found convenient for members of the Corinthian and other yacht clubs at Erith, it is possible that the 'Rainbow' may be moved, from time to time, to moorings near the pier at Erith; and, should a desire to that effect be expressed by the members of the rowing clubs higher up the Thames, an effort will be made to move the vessel to moorings near the boat-houses of any rowing clubs, which have their head-quarters below Kew Bridge.
No positive promise, however, can be given that the 'Rainbow' shall be moved. There are many points to consider, such as draft of water, height and width of arches, and obstruction of the navigation of the river.
For those clubs which are established still higher up the river, where there is not sufficient water to float the 'Rainbow,' facilities for instruction may be provided by mounting a 64-pounder gun on a raft, which could be towed from place to place, and moored to the bank of the river adjacent to the boat-houses belonging to the clubs. An instructor would accompany the raft; and, during the winter months, arrangements might be made for giving to volunteers an opportunity of going through their small-arm drills in a drill-shed, or other convenient place, available for the purpose. Thus it may be found possible to extend the system of instruction, by effectual, yet inexpensive, means, far up the Thames, and so to embrace towns such as Reading, Maidenhead, Henley, Windsor, and even the headquarters of rowing, the University of Oxford.
Inquiry having been made as to whether members will be expected to appear in uniform, whenever they attend drill, it may not be superfluous to mention that the regulations are silent on this point. Members will only be required to wear uniform on special occasions, of which due notice will be given.
Regulations as to drill.
Members of the Royal Naval Artillery Volunteer corps may therefore rest assured that they will have the opportunity of being thoroughly instructed in the drills, in which it is considered desirable that they should be proficient.
The drills will comprise those for great guns, rifle, pistol, and cutlass, as in the Royal Navy, and no deviation from these drills is to be permitted.
The Officer-Instructor.
All drills will be carried out by the instructor, attached to the brigades, under the officer-instructor. The permanent staff of a brigade will consist of an officer-instructor and one petty officer instructor for each battery. The officer-instructor will be commissioned as a lieutenant in the Royal Naval Artillery Volunteers, and will be selected from officers of or retired from the Royal Navy, of and above the rank of lieutenant. He will keep the muster-rolls, and it will be his duty to make himself acquainted with all the members of his brigade, and their qualifications. He will superintend all drills and exercises, and is to have complete control over the petty officer instructors, and to be responsible to the Admiralty for their conduct and efficiency.
Attendances at drill.