DEATH OF ADMIRAL SCOTT.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 249, 20 October 1924, Page 5

DEATH OF ADMIRAL SCOTT.

FAMOUS GUN EXPERT. LONDON, October 10. The death has occurred of Admiral Kir Percy Scott, aged 71 years.— (A and N.Z. Cable.) Admiral Scott was 71 years of age. He entered the navy when he was only thirteen years of age, and during his long life, no name has been more closely connected with improvements that have marked the recent years of the navy. He is the inventor of the night-signalling apparatus now used in the navy, and of various appliances for improved heavy gun shooting. He will always be remembered even by many people who I have but the slightest interest in naval affairs for the part he played in the South African War. Everyone was struck by the dramatic effect of the 4.7 naval guns in the firing line ashore —the first time that such guns had ever been used practically as field guns. It was Admiral Scott* who invented the gun carriages that made possible the transport of these heavy guns. In his later years the. admiral has been best known for the keen controversy concerning capita! ships. Admiral Scott took the view that their days had passed owing to the development of submarines and aircraft, but in this he had the weight of opinion at the Admiralty against him. Always a keen officer concerning gunnery, the Admiral could not brook anything that interfered with i gunnery practice, and his signal to hisl squadron to knock off gun drill and! come into port, "and paint your ship and look pretty." lias become famous. It gave great offence 1., his superior officer. Cord Charles Beresford, both of them being pretty good at an argument. However much some of his opponents may differ from the b.te Admiral concerning the position of the capital ship in modern warfare they all unite in giving him full credit for the great improvements be brought about in big guns and gunnery.