"تاريخ البحرية الهندية. (١٦١٣- ١٨٦٣)." [‎٢‎٢‎٢] (٦٢٢/٢٤١)

222
HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
seamen-gunners, and the following officersLieutenant C. H.
Berthon, and Midshipmen* (with the rank of acting-master)
Davies, Cookson, Cousens, Heathcote, and Elder. The brigade,
completely accoutred, proceeded to Kurrachee by steamer, and
thence up the Indus in the 'Napier,' Acting-Master Kingcombe
with the flat ' Beeas' in tow, to Shere Shah-ke-pnttun, whence
some of the officers proceeded to Edwardes' camp, where they
spent Christmas Day. The brigade disembarked on the
27th of December, and marched up to the camp before
Mooltan.
During the earlier operations of the investment the steamers
* By General Order, under date 7th of August, 1840, midshipmen were
eligible for the appointment of acting-masters on board steam-vessels, provided
they were competent to perform the duties as laid down in the Masters' Certifi
cates (page 266 of the G-eneral Instructions) ; they were also required to possess
a knowledge of gunnery and of the steam engine. This rank of acting-master,
as applied to the covenanted ranks of the Service, was soon after abolished.
Other orders of importance relating to midshipmen, were the following:—
November 18, 1841. Midshipmen to be examined periodically ; the examination
to be conducted with regularity, and the test moderate in the first instance,
but gradually progressive, until the final examination for lieutenant, which
ought to embrace all the professional acquirements absolutely requisite as a
minimum ; the final examination to take place at the end of five years. The
Examioing Committee at the Presidency to be assisted by the teachers of gun
nery and naval instructors. Certificates of good conduct to be allowed due
weight. Should any midshipman be unable to pass at the final examination, he
is to be placed in rank below those who may pass, although his juniors on the
list; at the next examination, he is to be called upon to come forward, and if
again unable to pass, in like manner to be placed below all those who may pass,
and in future reported to Government. Those absent from the Presidency, when
the time arrives for their final examination, are to have a committee constituted
by the commander and superior officers of the ship, who are empowered to pass
them provisionally, subject to confirmation after being examined by the Com
mittee at the Presidency. Should they not be passed by the latter Committee,
they will take rank below all those who may have passed at the date of the
provisional examination; if otherwise, they will retain their rank.—November
4, 1843. Such midshipmen as may have passed their final examination to be
styled mates, and to receive an increased rate of pay.—September 18, 1844
Reports to be forwarded quarterly from each vessel of the Indian Navy, of the
progress made in the professional qualifications of the midshipmen serving on
board.—November 6, 1844. Midshipmen not allowed spirits, but an equivalent
in money.—Standing Order of December 29, 1852. Midshipmen required to
attend on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the rigging-loft at the dockyard for
instruction by the boatswain in turning in dead eyes, &c., and the ' Snake' to
be employed in bringing them from Butcher's Island, on which occasion the
<£ young gentlemen" were expected to study steam engineering.—Government
General Order dated May 16, 1855. The Court of Directors directed that a
midshipman was required to pass " the examination in the different professional
subjects within the period of six years from the commencement of his service,"
allowance being made for sickness, failing which he was to be " finally removed
from our naval service, and you will strike his name from the list without
further reference to us."—Government General Order, dated July 31, 1855.
Midshipmen to be only allowed three months, instead of six months, as laid
down under date January 22, 1851, for passing their examination for lieutenant.
The last Government Order regarding midshipmen was issued by the Governor
under date " Bombay Castle, March 12, 1859," and made public the instructions
of the Court in their despatch of August 11, 1858, dealing with their promotion
to the rank of mate and lieutenant.