A tall ship on other naval occasions

by Bartimeus

"A Tall Ship on Other Naval Occasions" by Bartimeus is a collection of fictional naval sketches written in the early 20th century. The stories revolve around various characters in a naval setting, exploring the humor and camaraderie found among sailors during times of both peace and conflict. A central character introduced is James Thorogood, a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, whose experiences during and after a torpedo attack highlight the unpredictability and drama of life at sea. The opening of the book begins with a detailed scene depicting a torpedo attack on Thorogood's ship, vividly illustrating the chaos of sailors scrambling to escape. Through his actions and interactions with fellow officers, including a surgeon with a broken ankle and a panicking midshipman, readers are introduced to the sense of duty, humor, and humanity that defines naval life. The narrative shifts, showing Thorogood grappling with the aftermath of the attack as he consults a specialist about his nerves, and eventually transitioning to a meeting with his uncle while highlighting moments of camaraderie and the reality of wartime experiences.