'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎182] (201/622)

182
HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAYY.
Company's ships throughout the operations of the war, was re
marked by officers of all services, and received the commenda
tion of the press. On the removal of the gunnery establish
ment to Butcher's Island, batteries were erected for exercise,
also class rooms, and a laboratory fitted with all the necessary
appliances.
Sir Robert Oliver, in furtherance of his laudable desire, issued
the following Order on the 25th of June, 1842:—"With the
view of rewarding lieutenants and midshipmen An experienced sailor, but not a commissioned officer. who acquire
scientific attainments, the Government have, sanctioned the
entertainment of a gunnery officer for all vessels to a fourth-
rate inclusive, also for fifth-rates carrying revolving 32-pounder
guns. Officers to be qualified for the appointment must hold
first-class certificates from the naval instructor and teacher of
gunnery. The gunnery officer is to forward quarterly a jourual
of his proceedings to the Superintendent's Office, accompanied
by a certificate from the commander of the vessel, countersigned
by the senior officer if on a station, to the effect that he has
performed his duties in strict accordance with the regulations,
and that he has complied with all instructions received." On
the 19th of December following, the subjoined order was pub
lished relative to the duties of Lieutenant Griffith Jenkins, who,
having gained a first-class certificate on board H.M.S. 4 Excel
lent,' was appointed gunnery officer of the 6 Hastings,' in place
of the instructor hitherto employedThe gunnery officer to
have the supervision of this branch of the duties of a vessel of
war, and is to visit all vessels for the purpose •of exercising a
surveillance over the gunnery department. The gunnery officer
or superintendent of naval gunnery, is to be borne on the books
of the 'Hastings,' receiving and gunnery ship, but is not to
interfere with her internal arrangements or duties further than
may be required in the performance of his duties; such officers
and seamen as may be placed under the gunnery officer for in
struction are not to be interfered with by the commander or
officers further than for the preservation of discipline; they are
to be considered as under the immediate orders of the gunnery
officer. When the gunnery officer visits a ship, the commander
and officers will render him every assistance in the performance
of his duties, and comply with all his requisitions. The junior
gunnery officers are frequently to place themselves in communi
cation with Lieutenant Jenkins, through whom their reports
and journals are to be submitted to the Superintendent. The
means of qualifying themselves in this branch of naval educa
tion being open to all, the Superintendent calls officers to take
every opportunity of perfecting themselves; at the same time
he will report to Government any particular instances of pro
ficiency either by the officers or ship's company, as a selection