FROM THE LOWER DECK

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 43, 15 November 1918, Page 5

FROM THE LOWER DECK

PROMOTIONS IN' THE NAVY,. j The British Admiralty has decided t< increase the number of promotions o, commissioned warrant officers and war; rant officers to commissioned rank. Thi number to be promoted will in future b< 8 per cent, of officers of all olasees \i .each branch. This is double that ai; i lowed before' the war. j

The rank of commander will be openj ed to the extent of 1 per cent, of th< total officers of each branch to gunners, boatswains; signal boatswains, ■ engineers, and shipwrights. ! Warrant officers of all branches will receive promotion to commissioned war; rant rank: after ten years' seniority .ai warrant officer, provided they are commended by their commanding officers, have a good record, and have served foi five years at sea as warrant Commissioned warrant rank may bf granted earlier at the discretion of th« Admiralty for war or other distinguished service.

Commissioned warrant officers will be allowed to pass an examination for lieutenant (or equivalent rank), and will then be eligible for promotion by selection in conjunction with seniority, provided they have three years' sea service as commissioned warrant officer. Lieutenants (or officers of equivalent rank) promoted from commissioned warrant officer will bo promoted to LieutenantCommander (or equivalent rank) after eight years' seniority in 'he junior rank, without examination, on similar conditions. These regulations do not refer to the older officers promoted for long and zealous service. !

It is the intention that promotion to; commissioned rauk up to a total of i per cent, should be reserved for the older officers, as at present, for long and zealous service, and 6iich officers will not be required to pass an examination,'though! they must be passed as medically fitj These officers will not be eligible for the, rank of Commander. The remaining i per cent, of promotions will as a general rule bo confined to younger officers, who 1 will be required to pass nn examination.' Changes are also made in the uniform. The buttons and block braid on the cuffe: of commissioned warrant officers and 1 warrant officors (B.N. and 8.N.R.), in-' chiding Coastguard officers, are abo-j lished. Warrant officers will wear a; etripe of }in. gold lace, and warrant! officers, R.N.R., will wear two intersect-! ing Hues of Mn. gold lace. i Commiesioned warrant officers' and warrant officers' uniform generally will: be brought' into line with that of other; officers, especially as regards the full* dress coat. A distinguished colour ring of dark green will be worn by officers! of the Electrical Brancfo, and the colour; ring of the Wardinaster. Branch is al-; terpd from scarlet-to maroon. ■ ' .•!

These changes are the result of the] first report of the committee which. has | been examining problems affecting the! warrant officers and artisan ratings. The I committee has a number of other reoom- \ mendations before it. >