In the British War Cabinet meeting of 11 April 1917 was the memorandum G.T.381 of the Admiralty discussed dealing with the adding of additional bulkheads in the standard ships built under supervision of the Shipping Controller Sir J.P. Maclay. (1) The Shipping Control Committee and Shipbuilders Committee were against such bulkheads because they would not save the ship and interfered seriously with the working of the cargo. First Sea Lord admiral Sir J.R. Jellicoe (2) thought otherwise, he believed in the value of the bulkheads. A ship would not sink immediately so offering more time to beach her or otherwise saving lives of crew members. The War Cabinet ordered the Constructive Department of the Admiralty to discuss the matter with the Shipbuilders Committee. Just when both parties failed in finding an agreement would the War Cabinet consider again the matter.
Notes
1. Joseph Paton Maclay, 1st Baron Maclay (6 September 1857-24 April 1951), Minister of Shipping 10 December 1916-1918.
2. John Jellicoe, 1st Earl Jellicoe (5 December Southampton, England 1859-Kensington London, England 20 November 1935), served in the Royal Navy between 1872-1919 ending his career in the rank of Admiral of the Fleet, First Sea Lord between 30 November 1916 and 10 January 1918 and commanded the Grand Fleet at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. Governor-General of New Zealand 27 September 1920-12 December 1924.
Source
The National Archives, Kew Gardens, England, CAB 23-2-35.
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