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.
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.