HC Deb 16 June 1920 vol 130 cc1229-30
6. Viscount CURZON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will grant a return showing how all classes of Naval Reserve were employed on the 31st of August, 1914, and the 11th of November, 1918?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY ti the ADMIRALTY (Colonel Sir James Craig)

As the answer is somewhat long and detailed, perhaps my Noble Friend will allow me to publish it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer referred to.

Naval reserves were employed as follows:

31st August, 1914.

Pensioners and Royal Fleet Reserve.—His Majesty's Ships, Naval Bases and Establishments. Fleet Auxiliaries and Royal Naval Division.

Royal Naval Reserve.—His Majesty's Ships (including Armed Merchant Cruisers), Naval Bases and Establishments; Trawler Section in Trawlers and Drifters on Minesweeping and Patrol Duties.

Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.—His Majesty's Ships, Naval Bases and Establishments, Royal Naval Division.

Sick Berth Reserve.—His Majesty's Ships, Naval Bases and Establishments (including Naval Hospitals).

11th November, 1918.

As above, and in addition:

Pensioners and Royal Fleet Reserve, Royal Naval Reserve, and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.—Defensively armed Merchant Ships, and in Merchant Ships being convoyed

Small numbers were also employed in many other places and in various theatres of war and operations.