43

A.—4

At present there is no Naval, establishment in Australia capable of affording the requisite engineering training. It is essential, therefore, that officers specializing in engineering and Acting Mates (E.) should be sent to England to undergo their training at the Naval Colleges at Greenwich and Keyham. Engine-room, Ratings. It is strongly recommended that the courses of instruction and the qualifications for advancement of the various engine-room ratings should be arranged on similar lines to those in force in the Royal Navy. Until a Mechanical Training Establishment capable of giving the courses of training required by the regulations exists in Australia, it is not recommended that entry should be permitted to the respective Artificer Branches. Stokers on entry should be trained in H.M.S. " Philomel," and drafted subsequently in the same manner as boys, as set out in Section A of the chapter. (J) War Training of the Merchant Service. The organization for the war training of the Merchant Service should be very carefully elaborated in conjunction with the Admiralty. The arming, training, and organization of the Merchant Service for war had reached a high state of efficiency by the time of the signing of the Armistice in November, 1918. 2. It is obvious that if full use is made of the great experience in this matter acquired during the late war, the Merchant Service in future wars will start in a prepared state, and much shipping will thereby be saved. 3. The practice of arming merchant ships in self-defence was revived by the British Government shortly before the war as a measure of protection to British shipping against commerce-destroyers. With the introduction of submarine warfare against merchant shipping by Germany, the defensive arming of merchant vessels was greatly extended. 4. Even if submarines are abolished, the matter will still be of importance, as it may be necessary to arm merchant ships for resisting attack by surface craft or from the air. 5. The following brief notes* on the training arrangements made during the recent war are of interest: — An excellent " Confidential Book of War Instructions " was issued to the masters of British merchant vessels (provided the masters were British subjects born of British parents) Addenda bringing this book up to date were issued from time to time. A pamphlet containing notes on gunnery was also issued to defensively armed merchant ships ; also " Instructions for Guidance in the Use, Care, and Maintenance of the Armament" ; also " Instructions re the Arrangements for getting Guns mounted, Supply of Ammunition and Stores, Guns' Crews, &c." Officers were specially stationed at important ports for defensive armament duties. Courses of instruction were given as follows : — TV) masters and officers —On the submarine menace and. how best to deal with it. To masters and officers —On otter mine protection. To engineers—Course of instruction in the repair of guns mounted in D.A.M.S.

* The war training of the officers and crows of the vessels of the Auxiliary Patrol are dealt with separately under section K.

7—A. 4,