The Gunnery and Torpedo Division was established on 27 June 1918 it evolved out of the Directorate of Artillery and Torpedoes of the Naval Ordnance Department of the Admiralty and was staff division of the Admiralty Naval Staff department. It existed for only two years until April 1920 when it was split into two separate divisions one specialising solely in Gunnery and the other Torpedo.
Responsibilities
The division was responsible for devising and implementing general system of gunnery and torpedo exercises of the Fleet, in addition to the gunnery and torpedo training of all officers and men, whilst in liaison with the Director of Training. Among its other functions was the training of all personnel in the use of new or existing tactical weapons. It also had to anticipate and plan contingency for any changes in material, in order facilitate new training program's. The division was also responsible for the formulation of requirements of technical gunnery training and for training in the use of gunnery weapons, smoke, gas and counter measures carried out at the training establishments. It was also primarily responsible for assessing and advising on all naval weapons requirements.
Directors duties
As of June 1918:
Principles and methods of conducting Gunnery and Torpedo practices, including preparation of reports and returns on results, as directed from time to time.
The use of all Naval Ordnance & Torpedo materiel afloat and ashore, including the expenditure to be allowed for practice & the allowances of Service Ammunition of each type.
The general direction in which Naval Ordnance, torpedoes, and control equipments require to be developed, in regard to the employment of the weapons in War.
The most suitable gun and torpedo armament, and protection of all types of vessels & the types and numbers of each type of Projectiles to be carried.
The Gunnery and Torpedo training of all officers and men, and Gunnery and Torpedo Text-books connected therewith, in conjunction with the Director of Training, advising Second Sea Lord as necessary.
The D.N.A. & T. will be at liberty to communicate direct with Flag Officers on Gunnery and Torpedo questions of a nature which does not involve Board decision
Primary source for this article is by Harley Simon, Lovell Tony,, Gunnery and Torpedo Division, dreadnoughtproject.org, http://www.dreadnoughtproject.org.
