2.
40
4.
It should be mentioned that H.M.S. "CORNFLOWER"
has a maintenance crew of two European shipkeepers (ex Naval ratings) and nine Chinese ratings, all of whom would be
available in emergency.
The latter are not trained for war
service, but are at least efficient seamen.
Instruction.
5.
Instruction has been simplified by the fact that
the Force's role in war is known, and it has therefore been possible to concentrate on certain forms of training and to pay less attention to other subjects than would otherwise be
necessary.
6.
Obligatory training has been carried out for two hours each week, and in addition there is voluntary training
(two hours) one day a week.
Officers and Cadets are also
encouraged to attend on board H.M.S. "CORNFLOWER" at other
times, and have learnt much in this way.
7.
The preliminary instruction of Officers and Cadets consists mainly of lectures on minesweeping, seamanship, handling of boats, signals (semaphore, morse and by flags) gunnery, pilotage and Naval terms and customs. Once the elements have been mastered, as much practicable work as possible is carried out; manoeuvres are practiced in launches lent by local firms, minesweeping is exercised frequently, and Officers and Cadets take every opportunity of embarking in the duty Anti- Piracy Patrol Vessel, to gain experience in sea watchkeeping, pilotage, etc. Rifle and pistol courses are also carried out.
NOTE. Officers do not now require or receive
"preliminary instruction", as the entry is as Cadet and the rank of Sub-Lieutenant cannot be attained until
efficiency has been proved. Naturally, when the Force
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