In 1876, however, and for a good many years afterwards, the cadets’ corporals had so large a share in the discipline that the captains did not come in very much. The cadets before the committee were unanimous as to their dislike of the corporals, though it must be acknowledged that they had no very definite reasons to adduce. At this time a “cadet sergeant-major” had taken the place of the master-at-arms, probably with beneficial results, for a soldier is a more “understanding” sort of man in such a position, and would know how to assert his authority with tact and discretion.
The regulations for the cadets were such as would exist in any schools, substituting seafaring words where necessary. They received one shilling per week pocket-money—the captains and chief captains two shillings and half-a-crown respectively—and were not allowed to have in their possession at one time a larger sum than ten shillings; nor were they permitted to receive parcels containing eatables, or to bring sweets, fruit, etc., on board when returning from leave.
Those who recollect the earlier days of the Britannia will understand how this prohibition arose. Cadets were allowed at that time to receive “hampers” from home, and of course the lucky recipient felt bound to share the good things with his friends. The offer was usually delicately couched in the words, “Bring your plate to my table at tea,” and as there were frequently a good many hampers, with a circle of chums to each owner, there was a great deal of running about the messroom at tea-time, also some jealousy and searchings of heart. Some lads who were general favourites might be seen visiting three or four tables, returning with their plates heaped with a curious assortment of jam, sardines, potted meat, cakes, etc., all elbowing each other in one indigestible conglomeration—if, indeed, anything is not digestible by a naval cadet. No doubt the confusion to which this practice gave rise was the chief reason for its suppression.
A CLASS AT THE SEAMANSHIP INSTRUCTION MODEL.
Photo: Smale & Son, Dartmouth.
Bullying or annoying other cadets is laid down as one of [!-- original location of full page illustration --] [!-- blank page --] the most serious offences that can be committed, and subject to the most severe punishment.
The heaviest punishment was reduction to the third class for conduct. Cadets under this penalty wore a white stripe on each arm and were obliged to conform to the following rules:—
Get up at 6 a.m. in winter and 5 a.m. in summer, and half an hour later fall in and drill until prayer time (8 o’clock).
Stand apart from other cadets at all musters.
One and a quarter hour’s drill every afternoon; leave stopped, except one hour on shore under charge of a corporal.
Stand on the middle deck one hour after evening prayers.
Alternate days in cell, on bread and water; other days to take their meals at cockpit mess table. Not allowed soup, beer, or second course.
To sit on a stool between decks when not in the cell, and kneel apart at prayers.
This is a pretty hard programme for a boy, and could, of course, only be prescribed by the captain, for six days as a maximum.