§ Mr. ASHLEYasked why the gunner of the destroyer "Blackwater," sunk in collision with the "Hero," was brought before a court martial when the commander was not?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe gunner was the officer of the watch in charge of the "Blackwater" when the steamer "Hero" altered her course with a view to passing through the line of destroyers. At that time the captain of the "Blackwater" was not on deck. When he came on deck and took charge a collision was inevitable, and the action which he took reduced its effects. Against the gunner a specific 2191 charge was brought; no such charge could be made against the commanding officer, and he was not therefore brought before a court martial.
§ Mr. ASHLEYHas it not been the invariable custom in the Service that when a ship is lost the captain or commander is brought before the court martial?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, if the hon. Gentleman will turn his attention to regulation 662a, he will observe that that is not the regular rule.
§ Mr. BELLAIRSIs not that a new regulation, and are not the precedents for some 200 years until the present Board of Admiralty came into existence, that the commanding officer should be brought before the court martial?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, the hon. Member is not strictly accurate in what he has stated.
§ Mr. BELLAIRSCan the right hon. Gentleman cite one single precedent previous to the present Government coming into office?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat is not the original question. The hon. Member referred to the Board of Admiralty.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWhat is the date of the regulation?
§ Mr. McKENNAI think it is 1907.