Section 45: Striking superior officers.

Every person subject to naval law who commits any of the following offences, that is to say,--

(a) strikes or attempts to strike his superior officer; or

(b) draws or lifts up any weapon against such officer; or

(c) uses or attempts to use any violence against such officer;

shall be punished,--

if the offence is committed on active service with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years or such other punishment as is hereinafter mentioned; and

in any other case, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or such other punishment as is hereinafter mentioned.