Full Speed Ahead: Tales from the Log of a Correspondent with Our Navy

by Henry Beston

"Full Speed Ahead: Tales from the Log of a Correspondent with Our Navy" by Henry B. Beston is a collection of narrative accounts written in the early 20th century. The work chronicles the experiences of Beston as he accompanies American naval forces during their foreign service, providing personal anecdotes and observations from the life of sailors and submariners amidst the realities of World War I. The stories capture both the trials and triumphs of naval operations, focusing particularly on the operations of submarines and their crews. The opening of the collection begins with a preface where the author expresses gratitude for the hospitality extended to him by the American Navy. He sets the scene in a London restaurant, introducing a submarine captain who recounts his harrowing journey crossing the Atlantic. This captain shares vivid details of a treacherous storm encountered at sea, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by submarines, the camaraderie among crew members, and the challenges of maintaining operations under such circumstances. In doing so, the narrative evokes a sense of adventure and the visceral realities of naval life during wartime, setting the stage for the subsequent tales that will delve deeper into the experiences of those serving on the front lines at sea.