Battle Practice in the Royal Navy

1905

In The Times of 23 May, 1905 revised regulations for Battle Practice were announced.

Each ship firing is to be cleared for action, worked as in action, and steered from the conning tower, all the officers and men being at their proper stations. Sufficient umpires are to be appointed to admit of their being at least one to take times and check the ranges from the chief umpire's ship, which will lead the firing ship and make the signals for opening fire, altering course, and terminating the practice; at least two more to see that the regulations are followed on board the firing ship; and two more to note the hits on the canvas. The target to be used will measure 90ft. in length and 30ft. in height, and full instructions are given as to the mode in which it is to be moored and approached by the firing ship. Only guns on one side are to fire, and only hits on the canvas or the roping of the canvas sails of the target will be allowed to count. A special speed is denoted for the purpose of the practice, and penalties are to be inflicted for infringement of any of the rules. At the conclusion of the practice the commanding officer of the ship firing is to report to the chief umpire the number of rounds fired per gun, the arrangements made for control of fire, any failures or accidents, and the number of hits allowed by the umpires. The new method of procedure is to come into effect immediately.

According to The Times of 20 October, King Edward VII had "just completed" her Battle Practice.

The KING EDWARD VII. has just completed her battle practice under the new conditions, and shows a great improvement on her previous record. With the vessel steaming at 15 knots the following was the result of the practice at 6,000 yards:—12in. guns, 11 rounds, ten hits; 9.2in. guns, 31 rounds, 15 hits; 6in. guns, 71 rounds, 26 hits—total, 51 hits out of 113 rounds. This showing of Sir William May's flagship is one that the other battleships of the Atlantic, Channel, and Mediterranean Fleets will find hard to beat. The Director of Target Practice was present during the firing.