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PART II. TRAINING IN THE VARIOUS BRANCHES OF THE SERVICE

Royal Engineers-Submarine miners

Some most interesting work is performed by this branch. The men are specially selected from the Corps, and their work consists principally in the protection of our coasts, and particularly of the mouths of the large rivers. The men, when at work, are dressed in a navy kit, with the ordinary seaman's cap, the only distinction being that the cap ribbons bear the words "Royal Engineers" instead of the name of a ship. When on furlough, or "walking out," the ordinary Royal Engineers' uniform is worn.

In executing work under water, the soldiers are trained in diving and soon become experts.

The illustrations show mines ready to be placed and exploded where necessary, and the tug in which they are taken out to sea is entirely manned, steered, and worked by Royal Engineers.

PAU 1900-AL

Exploding a Submarine Mine

The Royal Engineer Submarine Miners Command and work their tugs, and act as sailors. The way in which large mines arc prepared is shown. The picture then changes to a view of the tug carrying out the mine, which is dropped over-board and exploded from a safe distance. Its explosion throws up a large volume of water, whose fantastic shape, as it is blown about by the wind, forms a beautiful sight.

PAU 1903-06