May 31, 2019
The Divisional system on board of a royal navy ship
seen from France
seen from Algeria
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Russia
seen from Spain
seen from United States
seen from Russia
seen from Yemen
seen from Türkiye
seen from Mexico
seen from Türkiye
seen from Türkiye
seen from France
seen from Singapore
seen from Brazil
seen from Indonesia
seen from United States
The Divisional system on board of a royal navy ship
The divisional system
Until the middle of the 18th century, the relationship between officers and enlisted men was a disaster to say the least. The officers thought they were kings, the Marines made a big deal about them and did their own thing and the Sailors started to divide into groups and just survive. The organisation was not good, men often called in sick to escape it all and orders could be lost along the way if no one felt responsible for them, the inexperienced were simply sent into the rigging while experienced Sailors thought they could rest a bit, which usually led to serious accidents. There was also a lack of discipline, which was desperately tried to be restored with harsher punishments. In the end, the crew on a warship was nothing more than a wild bunch who just did what they wanted.
But that changed thanks to Admiral Thomas Smith and the simple idea he introduced in 1755.
He divided the crew into divisions, each headed by a lieutenant, he should take charge of these men, for whose welfare and efficiency he was to be particularly responsible. Under the lieutenants, the midshipmen were divided into sub-divisions. The warrant officers looked after their own departments, and the master’s mates mustered the seaman's petty officers. Each officer was responsible for discipline and cleanliness in his department. In particular, the hammocks were changed and washed twice a week, as were the clothes (but this did not always work), and his men appeared clean and sober for muster.
"The only way to keep large bodies of men in order is by dividing and subdividing them with officers over each to inspect and regulate their conduct, to discipline and form them. Let the ship's crew be divided into as many companies as there are Lieuenants, except the First Lieutenant, whose care should extend over the whole.The companies to be sub divided and put under the charge of mates and midshipmen, and besides this, every 25 men to have a foreman to assist in the care of the men, as a sergeant or corporal in the Army" written by Admiral Richard Kempenfelt 1779
The midshipmen of the sub-divisions were responsible for the men's mastery of their great guns and small arms, and also had to see to their training. Each officer had to know his men individually and look after their welfare. The advantages of this system were quickly apparent. The divisions consisted of mixed groups and the weak inexperienced learned from the experienced. There was closer contact and the number of sicknesses and accidents fell. If the men were ill, it was often the case that a lieutenant would send to a sick man from his division a delicacy from the private stores.
A Midshipman with his sub-division at the great guns - Master and Commander
If the men made a special effort, worked well and did their lieutenant credit, he often gave them an extra portion of rum. If there was a punishment, an officer who was responsible for the man could speak for him as his defender. In action, a lieutenant led his division or divisions, because on frigates it was common for him to have two divisions under him, who were happy to fight for him in the hope of making a good prize money.
This was not about a lieutenant sucking up to the men or even becoming their friend. It was about good leadership and an efficient healthy crew willing to follow this man and ultimately the captain.
Division of Skill...
Division of Skill…
“Man for man one division is as good as another. They vary only in the skill and leadership of their commanders.”
General Bradley (1893 to 1981)
Omar Nelson Bradley was a US Army officer who commanded the Twelfth Army Group, which helped ensure the Allied victory over Germany during World War II.
He later served as first chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff (1949 to 1953).
View On WordPress
How to Sack a Divisional Commander...
How to Sack a Divisional Commander…
How to Sack a Divisional Commander: Tewksbury, 4 May 1471;
“Lord Winlock not having advanced to the support of the first line, but remaining stationary, contrary to the expectationsof Somerset, the latter, in a rage, rode up to him, reviled him, and beat his brains out with an axe.”
Max Hastings (1985) from The Oxford Book of Military Anecdotes
View On WordPress
What is Project Gunwharf?
What is Project Gunwharf?
Outline of Project Gunwharf
Shore employment opportunities for all general service junior ratings (JRs).
Divisional care responsibility to the employing officers/senior ratings.
Provide clear branch/specialisation employment pathways that provide meaningful, rewarding and beneficial shore employment opportunities.
Interim Operational Capability April 2018 at PORFLOT/DEVFLOT.
Full Operational…
View On WordPress
the divisional system explained