RED FLAG ON A DESTROYER

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 161, 2 April 1919, Page 8

RED FLAG ON A DESTROYER

SEAMEN SENTENCED FOE MUTINY. A court-martial was held at Devonport rocently on eight seamen of tne Koyal Navy on a charge of mutiny while serving on a destroyer at Milford Haven on January 13. The prosecution alleged that the men mutinied because the commanding officer refused to allow, them to. work in three watches instead of two. In consequence of their refusing duty tho vessel had to be brought hack to port by the engine-room staff, a midshipman taking the wheel. The commander went ashore to report, the matter, and in his absence the defendants hauled down the distinguishing flag from the .masthead and hoisted a red flag. The commander's order to haul down the latter was immediately obeyed. One of the defendants made the remark that half the British Nnvy were on strike and that the othor half soon would be. They refused to work in two watches for the pay fhey wero receiving. The Court passed the following sentences:—Able Seaman Ellis, two years' hard labour and dismissal from tho Service; Able Seamen Talbut, Purdy, and Wangle, one year's hard labour; and Able Seamen 'Forbes, Davies, and Scrivener, ninety days' detention. Leading Seaman Fornn was acquitted.