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.