FIRST MIDSHIPMAN IN NAVAL RESERVE

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31005, 10 March 1966, Page 23

FIRST MIDSHIPMAN IN NAVAL RESERVE

A Christchurch student, Mr P. E. O’Boyle, has been appointed the first midshipman in the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve. The appointment, by the New Zealand Naval Board, was announced yesterday by Commander R. F. Sanderson, commanding officer, Canterbury Division, H.M.N.Z.S. Pegasus. Born in Christchurch, Mr Boyle was educated at St Peter’s School. Beckenham. Cheviot District High School. St. Kevin’s College, Oarnaru. and Cashmere High School, which he left at the end of last year. He is now studying for a commerce degree at the University of Canterbury. Mr O’Boyle joined the Canterbury Division as a junior seaman early in 1965. His is the first appointment of its kind under a new scheme designed to encourage sea cadets and boys leaving school to enter the R.N.Z.N.V.R. as potential officer candidates. Introduced in May, 1965, it was accompanied by a lowering of the age of entry into the R.N.Z.N.V.R. to 16 years three months. Mr O’Boyle satisfied medical and educational require-

menis and completed the necessary training ashore and afloat before being recommended for selection, Commander Sanderson said. The ranks of midshipman and sub-lieutenant were determined by the age of the candidate at the time he was commissioned, he said. It was anticipated that further appointments of midshipmen would be made progressively in the R.N.Z.N.V.R.