§ 32. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether 1892 any disciplinary action has been taken arising out of the circumstances connected with the grounding of His Majesty's ship "Walrus"; whether the four riggers on board the ship when she grounded have been recommended for reward in recognition of their good conduct, and what the position is in regard to pay of the riggers who went to hospital?
Mr. CooperA court of enquiry was held. The court found, and the Admiralty agreed, that the decision to send the ships to sea in the existing weather conditions was an error of judgment, and those responsible have been so informed. The Board have caused an expression of appreciation to be conveyed to two of the four riggers on board, in view of their meritorious conduct in assisting their injured colleagues to safety. The conduct of these men was also brought specially to the notice of the Royal Humane Society, who have, I am pleased to say, announced their intention of awarding them the Society's Honorary Testimonial on vellum. Further, in recognition of the circumstances in which the four men on board the "Walrus" were placed, the Board have granted to each of them a special gratuity, which will be payable in addition to the regulated hurt pay.