PRACTISE GUN TURRETS?

Defence Re-organization Scheme.

18. To render the force homogeneous and efficient a proportion of the Permanent Force and of the Naval militia, so far as possible, should be told off to every gun, station, and duty; and to carry out this plan it would be very desirable that a full-size model of the Cerberus' Turrets and Guns and the decks of the Gun-boats should be erected at the drill-rooms, thus enabling every man to become thoroughly acquainted with his duties.

Minister reminded about Practise Turrets.

Captain Fullarton of the Naval Reserve, has written to the Minister of Defence, reminding him that, although the construction at Williamstown and Sandridge of practise-turrets resembling those on board the Cerberus had been determined upon by the Minister, nothing has yet been done with regard to them. The practise-turrets are to familiarise the Naval Reserve with the working of those of the Cerberus, to which they have rare access. No steps will now be taken in this matter until the arrival of Captain Thomas and the Victorian war vessels. Captain Thomas will be in command of the naval forces, and in that capacity will be a member of the Council of Defence.

Turrets Ordered.

Two full sized models of the Cerberus turrets and guns have been ordered by the Council of Defence to be constructed for drill purposes. One will be placed at Williamstown and the other at Port Melbourne, in order that the divisions of the Naval Reserve at those towns may become efficient in turret exercises.

Turrets Still on the Way.

As the Naval Reserve cannot get afloat to practise at the big guns of the Cerberus as often as the authorities consider necessary, dummy guns and turrets in exact imitation of those of the ironclad are to be provided at the Port Melbourne drill-sheds. The proposal was made six months ago by Captain Fullarton, who got a miniature model of one of the 8in. guns made, and the plan has been so far acted that the Public Works department has prepared designs for carrying out the full scheme, but the expense, which is considerable, has stood in the way of its prompt execution. The matter is, however, now receiving attention, with a view to the very desirable drill equipment alluded to being supplied upon an early day.

Turrets Built.

From the 1887 Report of The Council of Defence Council

"A new drill-room for the Port Melbourne division of the Naval Brigade is approaching completion, containing emplacements for eight guns, a model turret room, armoury, lecture-rooms, store-rooms, and other requisites for the thorough instruction of officers and men in every branch of the Naval Service." A similar room is to be erected at the dockyard reserve, Williamstown."

This report also stated that it was intended to erect a similar Drill Room at the dockyard reserve in Williamstown when the lease held by the P & O Company expired.

Possible Delivery.

War Material for Melbourne.— The new iron ship Scottish Lochs, of Liverpool, 2500 tons register, is loading in the South-West India Docks a large quantity of war material, including guns, turrets, and ammunition, for the Minister of Colonial Defence at Melbourne, and other shipments are to follow.

"Original was a postcard copyrighted between 1902/10.

Note: Guns and carriages from final cutting down of HMVS Nelson in left foreground rear of fence.

Note remains of dummy turrets from HMVS Cerberus used in training Victorian Naval Brigade in middle foreground.

Gates are those complained in one of the recent press cutting copies forwarded to Captain F. F. Lord, RAN.

Note 101' high chimney erected in 1872, and demolished in 1922, by Oliver Chanter. Left middle ground

Also note all sailing vessels are barque rigged due to reduction of crews in post,1899, period."