EDUCATING THE NAVY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 228, 20 June 1919, Page 7

EDUCATING THE NAVY

THE SCHOOLMASTER ON BOAED , .;. THE FIGHTING SHIPS. _ An interesting official statement was issued recently describing the development of the educational system in tho British Navy during the period of the war. It is' explained, that, after being abandoned at the outbreak 'of the war, school education in the Navy was re-, sumed in 1915 on regular lines, and in 1916 n certificated schoolmaster was. appointed to all ships down to and including light cruisers, and to each flotilla of destroyers and submarines. An. additional master, was afterwards appointed to each of the largest ships, while larmed merchant' cruisurs wero also provided with teachers. School tests were introduced, regular and systematic classes wero held for specialist ratings, and in 1918 there was a higher educa tional test dealing with subjects directly concerning tho modern seaman, viz., mathematics, chartwork; mechanics, electricity, and magnetism, general knowledge of current events, English history, general and physical geography. Admirals also arranged composition and singing competitions for n shield while correspondence classes were instituled for men who could not attend school classes. The minesweepers, etc., were not overlooked, and men in lln trawler reserve had classes so. I hat they mieht pass as skippers. Officers volnn tartly gave lectures on such subjects as hygiene, geolosy, historical associations of Orkney, historical reviews of tho rimntry in which the base was situated «tc., and after visits to the French battlefront men eave lectures on what they ("id seen. The education of the voung officers, cadets, and midshipmen was entrusted to a band of about 60 young university professors and lecturers.