§ *SIR JOHN COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) what is the approximate number of blue-jackets, Marine Artillery, and Marine Infantry, respectively, engaged in active operations at Benin; and (2) what is the rank of the senior officer of Marines present, and is he under the control and command of naval officers during these purely military operations?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTYThe telegrams which we have received give no details which enable me to answer the first question of the hon. and gallant Member. We have also no knowledge of the particular officers landed, beyond those mentioned in the telegram which has been published. The whole force is under the control and command of Admiral Rawson.
§ *SIR J. COLOMBasked whether it was in accordance with Admiralty rules that in active operations on shore officers specially trained in military operations on land should be under the command of officers specially trained in naval operations on water?