BROOMS

THE MEN OF THE SWEEPERS learn to be masters of their dangerous job in H.M.S. Lochinvar, a shore establishment. Left, rating trainees are taught wire splicing. Above, the mechanism of a mine is explained to officers, seen through the shrouds of a mine-dropping parachute ;   an officer studies pilotage and chartwork ; another takes a compass bearing.

paddle-sweepers. These are special training ships, and their Commanding Officers and First Lieutenants are members of the instructional staff. Not more than half a dozen officers are sent to each ship, and as soon as the vessel is under way they go up on the bridge, where the Captain gives individual instruction   in   station-keeping   and   signal

recognition, allows each one to navigate the ship in turn, and gives him practice in dropping and picking up the dan-buoys which are used to mark the position of mines or the limits of a cleared area. During the day the officers have an opportunity to watch the sweeps being veered and hauled in. Sometimes they are sent for instruction to