SENSE OF DUTY

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 April 1933, Page 10

SENSE OF DUTY

LIE UTENANT SELF-CONVICTED. PLYMOUTH, February 16. Lt. Anthony Cecil Capel Miers, of H.M.S. Dart, was dismissed his ship and severely reprimanded by a naval court martial at Devonport to-day for attempting to strike a stoker. Lt. Miers, who is well known in Rugby circles, had been selected to play on Saturday for Devonport Services against the United Services, Aidershot. He formerly played regularly for the London Scottish and figured in trial matches for Scotland and the Royal Navy. Evidence was given that on returning to his ship early on Sunday, February 5, Lt. Miers had a conversation on football matters ■with the stoker, John Jenkins, and became excited. He attempted to strike the stoker, .to whom he later apologised. Lt. Miers himself reported the incident to his commanding officer, as a result of which the court martial was held. Neither Jenkins nor the lieutenant, whi> gave evidence, could give, any reason for the. quarrel. On behalf of the accused, Paymaster -Lt.-Cmdr. It. 11. Johnson said that the matter would never have come to light had not the accused reported it himself. He was therefore self-convict-ed. The incident, was generally known throughout the ship, but members 01. the ship’s company were unwilling to come forward to give evidence until ordered to do so/ "It is greatly to his credit.” added Lt.-Cmdr. Johnson, “that his sense of duty was so strong as to compel him to reveal the matter to his commanding officer.