The Dreadnought Boys in Home Waters

by John Henry Goldfrap

"The Dreadnought Boys in Home Waters" by Captain Wilbur Lawton is a fictional adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows two young naval officers, Ned Strong and Herc Taylor, as they embark on their new command aboard the gunboat Seneca amidst naval war games. The story revolves around their challenges, interactions with fellow crew members, and their encounters with enemies, including Midshipman Kenworth, who has a grudge against them. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Ned and Herc as they travel by train to their new assignment. A conflict arises between Herc and a fellow passenger, Dilworth Rankin, signaling the boys' adventurous spirit and foreshadowing the camaraderie and rivalries they will encounter on their naval journey. As they arrive at Miller's Haven, excitement builds as they prepare to take command of the Seneca and engage in war exercises. The tension escalates when they are introduced to a complex web of interactions with peers and potential adversaries, setting the stage for the high-stakes adventures that await them in the unfolding chapters.