Too late, but oh well....
Way too late, and have to blame faulty memory. But the most significant slogan of the Napoleonic wars was never mentioned. During battle, sailors of both side, when about to receive a battering broadside from the enemy, would say "for what we are about to receive, may we be truly grateful."
Did they not say that before meals also?
Very probably so, but I believe the food was more lethal than the broadsides, so they had every right to say it then as well.
Originally Posted by Wargamer
Didn't have to look at that clip to know what is the better of two weavels. Love this movie.
Makes me think of this editorial cartoon of the time:
EQUITY or a Sailors PRAYER before BATTLE. Anecdote of the Battle of Trafalgar.
“Why Starboard! How is this at prayers when the enemy is bearing down upon us, are you afraid of them?”
“Afraid! No! I was only praying that the enemys shot may be distributed in the same proportion as the prize money, the greatest parts among the Officers.”
“Why don’t you sing Amen to that, Tom.”
For those who may not be in the know, when an enemy ship was captured at the time, it was generally sold to the crown for a sum, known as prize money. This prize money was split, according to wikipedia, as follows:
Two eighths of the prize money went to the captain, generally propelling him upwards in political and financial circles. One eighth of the money went to the admiral or commander and chief who signed the ship's written orders (unless the orders came directly from the Admiralty in London, in which case this eighth also went to the captain). One eighth was divided among the lieutenants, sailing master, and captain of marines if any. One eighth was divided among the wardroom warrant officers (surgeon, purser, and chaplain), standing warrant officers (carpenter, boatswain, and gunner), lieutenant of marines, and the master's mates. One eighth was divided among the junior warrant and petty officers, their mates, sergeants of marines, captain's clerk, surgeon's mates, and midshipmen. The final two eighths were divided among the crew, with able and specialist seamen receiving larger shares than ordinary seamen, landsmen, and boys
The sailor evidently has ideas like those Republican French. Best to hang him now. God save the King!
How appropriate, the most senior guy is oppressing the masses ...
On with the revolution ... and down with the ship
How appropriate, the most senior guy is oppressing the masses ...
On with the revolution ... and down with the ship
Great cartoon! Thanks.
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