October 23, 2025 • 27 mins
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Speaker 1 (00:13):
We present Nigel Anthony in the Hornblower Story, adapted from
four of the C. S. Forester novels by Val Gielgud.
Part one from mister Mitchipman Hornblower, the even Chance.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Three days since a gentleman called upon me from London.
A publisher he called himself, wanted to persuade me to
write what he called my memoirs. Sent the fellow away
with a flee in his ear. Not true enough that
I've seen many places Gibraltar, the Levant, the coast of Spain,
at the inside of a French prison, that I've served
(01:04):
under Pelieu, at Saint Vincent and cornwallis that I was
Vice Admiral Lord Hornblower before I hold down.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
My flag for the last time.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
But a man forgets much as he grows older, and
there is much a wise man prefers not to remember.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
So I shall write no memoirs.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Better to sit by my fireside to recall in tranquility
some incidents of those early years when first I went
to sea in times of war with France. Perhaps the
clearest of all in my memory remains my first sight
of His Majesty King George's ship of the line Justinian
pitching at her anchors off spithead under a January.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Gale that blustered up the channel.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
I see myself as a skinny young man just out
of boyhood, thin legs and arms, right bony face above
a high stock and an ill fitting uniform. I see
the darkly tanned cheeks of mister masters Lieutenant of the
Watch aboard the Justinian. I hear the slapping of the
(02:15):
waves against her hull as I climbed awkwardly to her
quarter deck.
Speaker 4 (02:26):
Come aboard, sir, your name Horatio Hornblower, Sir, A very
little with mister Hornblaw.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
Did you bring your dunnage your board with you?
Speaker 5 (02:36):
There's my sea chest, sir, forehead at the entry poarts.
I'll have it sent below. I'd advise you to get
out of those wet clothes while you can. The captain's ashore.
You'll see you on his return. Hi, I sir, senior
midshipman of your mess is mister Simpson.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
Report yourself to him. I eye, sir. My name's Hornblower,
(03:18):
midship would you be, mister Simpson?
Speaker 3 (03:24):
A poor dame, but my name.
Speaker 6 (03:27):
I can only splay as you boarded this ship to
thrust yourself among your better to those who have to
teach you your duties whilst beating the French the King's
latest bad bargain.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
How old you seventeen, sir? In the start at twelve?
You hap to be a seaman. Do you know the
difference between a head and a hallyard? I could look
it up in Norris Seamanship, sir, look it out. You'd
better if you'll excuse me, sir, what's the matter. I'm afraid, afraid,
(04:06):
I'm God God.
Speaker 6 (04:08):
The boy sick sea, sick and spite and hopes to
make a secret.
Speaker 4 (04:14):
Guy my dear Hi a sir.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
It was a bad enough beginning, the beginning to days
of loneliness and misery for a boy shy and unsure
of himself who found the midshipman's berth occupied by men
all a good deal older than he, who for the
most part ignored him. Or was there much in his
first interview with Captain Keene to console or encourage him.
Speaker 4 (05:02):
So you're a doctor's son, I see, yes, sir.
Speaker 7 (05:05):
Born July the fourth, seventeen seventy six, five years before I.
Speaker 4 (05:11):
Was posted as captain.
Speaker 7 (05:13):
Yes, sir, If you wanted to make a career for yourself,
young man, you should have picked a.
Speaker 4 (05:20):
Lord for your father. How far did your education go
Greek and Latin? Sir?
Speaker 7 (05:27):
So you can construe Xenophon as well as Cicero.
Speaker 4 (05:30):
Not very well, sir.
Speaker 7 (05:31):
Better if you could foresee a scall in time to
get gallants in the navy.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
Has no use for ablative absolute. I have a fair
grounding in mathematics, sir. Signs and co sides, they are
their uses.
Speaker 7 (05:44):
Well they orders. Learn your duties. Not much harm can
come to you, Thank you, sir. It's one thing more,
mister Hornbler. I hope you pay attention to the senior
warrant officer of the Mitchman's birth, John Simpson. I do
my best, sir, as well. Mister Simpson has ability, he
is also his own worst enemy. He was given rank
(06:07):
as acting lieutenant, which would have been confirmed had his
mathematical knowledge been sufficient to make him a reliable navigator.
And so he conceives himself to have a grievance. Once
went so far as to address a superior officer as
attorneypad study mister Simpson, mister Hornblower, and profit by what
you see and hear.
Speaker 8 (06:34):
I find you a difficult young man, mister Hornlon.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
I'm sorry, mister Simpson. I do my best, So.
Speaker 6 (06:40):
Do you even grudge me a clean shirt from your
own lavish supply. I find that unfriendliness to Hornler. As
a doctor's son, I should have expected sympathy with a
needy What do you.
Speaker 4 (06:54):
Say, mister Cleveland.
Speaker 8 (06:56):
Oh, I agree with you, mister Simpson.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
And no doubt the doctor so was on good terms
with the parcel. And no doubt the parson helped with the.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
Education of mister Hornbler.
Speaker 6 (07:07):
Perhaps he taught mister Hornbler that fine poem energy in
a country churchyard.
Speaker 4 (07:12):
He did. Indeed, mister Simpson, it's a favorite of mine.
Speaker 6 (07:16):
You may care to refresh my memory of it by
reciting one or two verses.
Speaker 4 (07:20):
I'm not sure that I can actual, but I.
Speaker 9 (07:22):
Am certain you can, mister Hornbler, at any rate you
can dry well if you insist, I do, mister Hornbler,
I rarely do insist.
Speaker 4 (07:34):
The curfew told the knell of passing day, the lowing
herd wind slowly o'er the lee, the the I fear
I don't recall at the moment.
Speaker 7 (07:49):
Your dirk scattered, If you please, mister Cleveland, Here, mister Simpson.
Speaker 4 (07:53):
Thank you.
Speaker 6 (07:54):
Now, if you replace mister Hornblower's head between your knees,
I will do my best to stimulate memory, the curfew toes,
the knell of passing day, the lowing herd.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
There were moments during those weeks while the Justinian laid
anchor in that January of ninety four, when I longed,
and such is the absurdity of youth, even prayed for
sudden death to rescue me from the tyranny of John Simpson.
There came a day when he and I were ashore,
in charge of a press gang, awaiting the hands from
(08:34):
an expected West Indian convoy. We sat comfortably in the
back parlor of the lamb Inn before a roaring fire,
Simpson with a pot of beer laced with gin.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
At his elbow for one so all's well with the world.
Speaker 6 (08:52):
He's to the convoy, and may she be long delayed.
Drink up, boy, mister Chalk, your servant.
Speaker 4 (09:06):
Thank you, mister Simpson.
Speaker 10 (09:08):
I don't think I know your young companion.
Speaker 6 (09:10):
Mister Horner, Lieutenant Chalk of the Glas You should know,
mister Hornder. Mister Chalk distinguished as the midshipman who was
seasick the very day he came aboard in spittead.
Speaker 10 (09:22):
I have heard of other naval officers who suffer from seasickness.
Mister Simpson, perhaps you will join me in a glass.
I feel we may have a long wait for the convoy.
Your men are properly posted to watch for their hands
as they come ashore.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
They are, sir.
Speaker 4 (09:35):
That is well.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
You know.
Speaker 10 (09:37):
I imagine that I'm in general charge of the press.
Gangs are sure so, Captain keenan Thorn. Now we must
find some way to pass the time while we wait. Oh,
let me present my midshipman, mister Caldwell. Gentlemen, I suggest
a game of cards. Perhaps whist would give us all
scope for the exercise of our talents. You are acquainted
with it coldwell the rudiment, sir, mister Simpson.
Speaker 11 (09:59):
I enjoy any game, chance, mister Hornblower, with pleasure, sir.
Excellent stakes, gentlemen, A shilling, a trick and a guinea
on the rub capital.
Speaker 10 (10:09):
Then we may cut at once for places and partners.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
Hey potman, two.
Speaker 10 (10:14):
Clean packs of cards, more lights, and refilled the glass.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
As it happened, I had learnt whist in a good
school with my father, his friend the local parson and
the parson's wife. It took no more than three hands
to realize that Leutenland Chalk played a capital game, that
Caldwell was moderate, and that John Simpson was hopeless. It
took not much longer to realize that it was not
(10:46):
only a bad player, but a bad loser. His face
grew flushed with more than the heat of the fire,
and as the potman came and went with liquor, so
Simpson became both restless and noisy. My luck was in
and it was obvious that the tenant Chalk was relieved
to have me for his partner.
Speaker 10 (11:07):
My ace takes your queen, Conwell, and the rest are mine.
Speaker 4 (11:12):
What do you mean, Hornblower, I hold the king. He's right, Simpson.
Five tricks game and rubber dannit. I take another. Whether
you lead diamonds or hearts, I trump and make three
more clubs. Mister Simpsons, seems to me you know too
much about.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
The game, Hornblower.
Speaker 6 (11:27):
You know the backs of the cards almost as well
as you know their front.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
That is an insult, mister Simpson. I shall have to
ask you for satisfaction now, mister Hornblower.
Speaker 10 (11:38):
Mister Simpson had a moment with a loss of temper.
I'm sure he will explain.
Speaker 4 (11:41):
I have been accused of cheating a card, Sir. It's
a thing that takes im explaining away.
Speaker 10 (11:46):
Damn me if I'm mister Simpson, whine in and wit out,
says the proverb.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
All friends here.
Speaker 10 (11:52):
I'm sure mister Simpson was only joking.
Speaker 4 (11:55):
I know, mister Hornblower.
Speaker 10 (11:56):
Let us call for another bottle.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
With pleasure, sir.
Speaker 4 (12:01):
Good if mister Simpson will beg my pardon before you
two gentlemen, and admit that he spoke without justification. Otherwise
only one satisfaction is possible, apologize to you.
Speaker 3 (12:14):
I see you in hell fast.
Speaker 4 (12:17):
He's hardly more than a boy. Simpson.
Speaker 10 (12:19):
You can apologize without apologize.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Be damned.
Speaker 8 (12:23):
I shall look forward to letting daylight in here.
Speaker 4 (12:28):
You are a rash young man, mister Hornblower. I blame
myself that I gave occasion for what has happened. All
the same, I had no alternative, sir.
Speaker 10 (12:36):
Perhaps nonetheless, when mister Simpson is cooler, No, sir, but
I should be greatly obliged to you if you would
apprize Captain Keene of the facts.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
Gladly thank you.
Speaker 10 (12:47):
Sir, and perhaps mister Caldwell here will act for you.
Speaker 8 (12:50):
Of course, the man's a bully and.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
Pleasure mighty bad hand at wiz.
Speaker 3 (12:55):
Then I'll wish you luck.
Speaker 10 (12:56):
Mister Hornblown, it's time I made the round of my patrols.
Speaker 12 (13:04):
If I were you, Hornblower, I'd take let tone Chalk's advice.
He's a good officer, I'm sure of that. But you won't,
would you? Well, how do you want to fight that bully, Simpson?
You're the aggrieved party. You've choice of weapons, any skill.
Speaker 4 (13:19):
With a small sword, never handled one.
Speaker 13 (13:21):
Then pistols. I've heard he's a good shot, you're pretty cool.
Maybe I hardly care, but I thought we might make
the chances more even.
Speaker 4 (13:33):
And how would you propose to do that? In fact,
we could make them exactly even. Coldwell, we could have
two pistols, one loaded and the other empty. Since the
and I take our choice without knowing it, as which
stand within a yard of each other, and fire on
the word.
Speaker 12 (13:48):
I doubt if it would be legal, Well, one of
you would be killed, for certain.
Speaker 4 (13:53):
I thought killing was the object of the jewel you
wanted me, sir, I did masters.
Speaker 7 (14:05):
It's this absurd business of a meeting arranged between Young
Hornblower and John Simpson.
Speaker 14 (14:10):
Yes, sir, it shouldn't take place, not, sir.
Speaker 4 (14:13):
Confounded man.
Speaker 7 (14:14):
My officers have better things to do than to try
to kill each other, especially when our country is at war.
Speaker 14 (14:20):
Quite so, Captain King, sir. But when a ship is
at anchor for weeks on.
Speaker 7 (14:24):
End, I may be an explanation, It is not an excuse.
Speaker 4 (14:27):
I want you to settle this business.
Speaker 14 (14:30):
Attempts have been made, sir. Both men are very stubborn.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
One is a boy, the other is a bully.
Speaker 4 (14:36):
But till you, Lieutenant masters.
Speaker 3 (14:37):
It won't do.
Speaker 14 (14:38):
Every one in the ship is aware of the facts
of the case. If I might be frank, sir, certainly, certainly,
I believe it would be good for the general morale
of the ship if the thing was brought to a head.
Why do you say that Simpson is generally disliked, Sir,
Young Hornblower. He's an unknown quantity. He may be only shy,
(15:00):
he may.
Speaker 7 (15:01):
Be too big for his boots, and under the conditions
demanded by Hornblower and found him, one or the other is.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
Almost certain to be killed.
Speaker 14 (15:08):
Exactly So, sir, Oh, you like the idea, It would
solve problems.
Speaker 7 (15:13):
Sir, If you mean what I think, I don't like it.
Speaker 3 (15:17):
I'll see here.
Speaker 7 (15:19):
I rely on you masters to do your very best
to achieve an accommodation. An accommodation. You understand.
Speaker 14 (15:29):
Why insist on satisfaction, mister Hornblower. I understand it was
merely a question of a few hasty words over cards
and wine.
Speaker 4 (15:36):
Mister Simpson accused me of cheating, sir before witnesses, and
the witnesses were not officers of this ship. I am
aware of that, and they been my shipmates, and might
have chosen to disregard mister Simpson's words as the ramblings
of a drunken ball. What passed between us is now
common property in the fleet. There is no hushing it up.
Speaker 14 (15:52):
You still demand satisfaction, I do, sir, I see do.
I also understand you are insisting on unusual conditions for
the meeting.
Speaker 4 (16:01):
I suppose they might be called unusual, Sir.
Speaker 3 (16:03):
There is no question of suppose, mister Hornblower.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
There are precedents, sir. As the insulted party, I am
entitled to choose any conditions which the seconds deem to
be fair.
Speaker 14 (16:11):
That is the talk of a sea lawyer, not of
a ship's officer.
Speaker 4 (16:15):
I'm sorry for that, Sir. My father has often rebuked
me for being too BLib with my turn. Let us
keep to the point.
Speaker 14 (16:21):
You are absolutely determined to continue with a business I
can only describe as murderous. Yes, sir, Then I must
inform you that Captain Keene has instructed me to be
present at your meeting with mister Simpson on account of
these strange conditions on which you have insisted. Yes, sir,
I shall request the Seconds to make their arrangements accordingly.
Very good, sir, I am grateful for the Captain's concern.
(16:43):
On my account. You will long make no mistake, mister Hornblower.
The Captain has things more important to consider than your skin.
Speaker 4 (16:53):
I am sure of that the feeling is mutual.
Speaker 3 (16:55):
Mister Hornblower. Are you a prig or a fool?
Speaker 4 (16:58):
Sometimes? I have asked myself that question, sir, indeed, and
have you answered it? Not yet, sir, not to my
own satisfaction. I hope that one day I may be able.
Speaker 2 (17:09):
All my life I have suffered from a sense of uncertainty,
uncertainty regarding myself. Perhaps it is too that sense that
I owe a certain stubbornness of disposition. Once I've made
up my mind over this business with John Simpson, there
was much to be said for escaping from my persecution
in his hands by dying. At the same time, I
(17:32):
realized it would be agreeable to escape from it without dying.
Simpson was certainly a bitter swordsman and might be a
bit of shot. The conditions for the meeting which I
had named, surely gave me rather more than an even chance,
which was just as well. As I lay awake hearing
(17:55):
the Justinian's bell ring out each half hour during the
night before the morning arranged for the I knew that
if I had no more to depend upon the steadiness
of hand and I, I should almost certainly be dead
before another nightfall. An hour before dawn, the valet Caldwell
(18:19):
was waiting for me at the jetty with a Hackney coach.
Speaker 3 (18:28):
Take a sip of Vishall blood. It's a warm your stomach.
Speaker 8 (18:33):
You've no special need for a steady hand this morning.
Speaker 4 (18:36):
Thank you. No, I had some tea before coming ashore.
Speaker 3 (18:41):
The others will be there before us.
Speaker 8 (18:44):
I saw the quarterboat heading back just before I reached
the jetty.
Speaker 3 (18:48):
The sawboneses with him.
Speaker 8 (18:49):
Well, God knows what you see can be in the circumstances.
Speaker 4 (18:52):
No doubt he'll do his best. How do you feel
well enough?
Speaker 14 (18:58):
I think now, gentlemen, here are the pistols, both, as
you see, are primed, but only one is loaded. I
(19:20):
propose to spin this coin to decide the allocation of
the weapons.
Speaker 4 (19:24):
Let the winner of the spin shows.
Speaker 14 (19:25):
Very well, pray call mister Hornblower tails tails. It is
make your choice, mister Hornblower, this one, if you please.
Speaker 3 (19:40):
I have done what was required of me.
Speaker 14 (19:42):
It remains for you, two gentlemen, to carry the business through. Yes, sir,
take this one, mister Simpson. I am obliged to you.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
Sir.
Speaker 6 (19:51):
I trust mister Hornblower will handle that weapon more carefully.
Speaker 3 (19:55):
He is a public danger.
Speaker 8 (19:57):
There are no distances to step out on this occasion.
Speaker 4 (20:01):
It's level enough here.
Speaker 8 (20:02):
I fancy will you stand here, Homebler.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
And you here, mister Simpson.
Speaker 14 (20:07):
I thank you for the last time, gentlemen, I beg you.
Can you not be reconciled a moment?
Speaker 4 (20:15):
Who is to give the word to fire?
Speaker 3 (20:17):
Thank you, mister Cleveland.
Speaker 8 (20:19):
I suggest we ask Lieutenant Masters to give it.
Speaker 14 (20:22):
If you will agree very well, I will say one
two three, file with those intervals on that last word.
Speaker 3 (20:33):
You may fire at will. You are ready, yes, ready,
one two.
Speaker 4 (20:43):
Three.
Speaker 2 (20:46):
Despite the pounding of my heart, my mind was clear.
Speaker 3 (20:50):
At that moment.
Speaker 2 (20:51):
I knew that even if the loaded pistol was mine,
I could not kill Simpson.
Speaker 3 (20:56):
A wound would suffice.
Speaker 2 (20:58):
I raised the weapon slightly so that it was directed
towards the point of Simpson's shoulder.
Speaker 3 (21:04):
Fire. He's your Simpson. Thank you Cleveland.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
It looks like it.
Speaker 3 (21:18):
A missfire.
Speaker 14 (21:18):
By God, give me those pistols, the loaded ones, hanging fire.
Speaker 3 (21:22):
We don't want it to go off.
Speaker 14 (21:23):
Now, honor is satisfied. Both gentlemen have passed through this
ordeal with credit.
Speaker 3 (21:32):
No one now can.
Speaker 14 (21:33):
Think less of mister Simpson if he expresses his regret
to mister Hornblower. No one can think less of mister
Hornblower if he accepts such a statement in reparation. Hey,
mister Simpson, if you say so, sir mister Hornblower, very well,
that is satisfactory.
Speaker 8 (21:50):
I wish you could all see your faces.
Speaker 4 (21:52):
Solomon's cow.
Speaker 14 (21:53):
Mister Cleveland, be so good as to relieve your feelings
in a manner more befitting. Well, gentlemen, our coaches are
waiting in the cutis at the jetty.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
I think we should all be the better for some.
Speaker 2 (22:02):
Breakfast, And that I fancy should have been the end
of the incident. The talk it had occasioned, and the
anchored squadron died away. It made more difference to me
than I now cared to confess that the name of
Hornblower no longer meant the midshipman who had been seasick
when he boarded the Justinian, but a man who had
(22:24):
been willing to face an even chance of death in
cold blood. However, in the Justinian herself there was other talk.
Whispers circulated and grew. They came to my ears, and
very angry they made me.
Speaker 7 (22:40):
Wanted to see me, mister Hornblom, I do Captain Keene,
who seemed to me rather a disturbed young man with reason, sir, Yes,
I fancy I can guess what you wish to say.
Speaker 4 (22:52):
Those pistols he was in my jewel with mister Simpson.
Neither of them was loaded, sir.
Speaker 7 (23:00):
How quite correct, mister Hornber I gave the orders to
lieutenant masters. What is more, I saved the life of
the King's service a valuable life. No one has suffered harm.
Both you and Simpson have amply proved your courage. You
both know you can stand fire. That is valuable knowledge
for a naval officer. Every man in this squadron knows
it too.
Speaker 4 (23:20):
My honor remains in question, sir.
Speaker 7 (23:22):
Blur your courage with priggishness, mister Hornder seems I have
to remind you of one admirable regulation of the Navy,
and to the effect that no junior officer can challenge
his superior to a duel. That the reason is obvious,
otherwise promotion might become too easy, Sir. The mere issuing
(23:44):
of a challenge by a junior to a senior is
an offense.
Speaker 4 (23:48):
Mister Hornbar, I see now that I acted hastily and foolishly, Sir.
Speaker 15 (23:55):
Good in that case, Sir, there is another matter that
I wish to take up with you, mister Hornbla. Sir,
Captain Pellu of the Indefatigable has room for another midshipman
once more, he's partial to a game of wisdom, has
no good forth on board. Now he and I have
agreed to consider favorably your application for an issue you
(24:18):
care to make one I.
Speaker 7 (24:20):
Don't imagine I have to point out that any young
officer with ambitions would jump with the chance of serving
under Captain Pellew in a frigate No, sir, rise, money, distinction, promotion,
you can reasonably hope for all of these. Of course,
I would not wish to influence you and duly, mister Hornbler,
but I do not think that I am exaggerating when
I say it is the opportunity.
Speaker 3 (24:40):
Of a lifetime.
Speaker 4 (24:42):
It is more than good of you, sir. I hardly
know how to thank you. At the same time you
accepted me as a midshipman in the Justinian. Of course
I must stay with you. Thank you, mister Hornbler.
Speaker 7 (24:54):
However, I am going to insist on your accepting the offer.
Speaker 4 (24:58):
Captain Keene as lieutenant masters.
Speaker 7 (25:00):
Has I gather intimated to you this ship is not
the place for a young man of promise. The midshipmen
are older than they should be. You see, I do
have the good of the service in mind.
Speaker 4 (25:11):
I hardly know what to say, Sir.
Speaker 7 (25:12):
I didn't say nothing. Simply accept Captain Pellew's invitation. It
would make things easier for me if you did. It
would also make things easier for John Simpson.
Speaker 4 (25:23):
You understand, ay ay, Sir, I understand, and I appreciate
your frankness and advice. Sir.
Speaker 7 (25:30):
It remains for me to issue the best of good
fortune under your new command.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
Mister Wormbar, I was never to know exactly what was
in Captain Keyne's mind, the good of the service, the
future welfare of the midshipman. He hardly knew Captain Pellhu's
need of a fourth and whist the desirability of separating
John Simpson from myself. At the time, I could only
(25:55):
think of the frigate, indefatigable sailing free for the Bay
of Biscuy and operations off the coast of France of
Sir Edward Pelhu, with his reputation as a frigate captain.
For the first time, I think I was convinced that
I had a future as a naval officer.
Speaker 1 (26:43):
In Part one of the Hornblower Story, you heard Nigel
Anthony as Lord Hornblower the narrator, with Nicholas Frye in
the role of Horatio as a youth Lieutenant Masters was
played by Anthony Wingate, mister Midshipman Simpson, Ralph Lawford, Captain
Keene Charles Foster, Mister Midshipman Cleveland, Paul Hertzberg, Lieutenant chalk
(27:07):
Ian Flintoff and Mister Midshipman Caldwell Keith Ladd. The musical
score is composed by Johnny Pearson. The Hornblower Story is
directed in Manchester by Trevor Hill, assisted by Christopher Haydn
(27:27):
Webb
We present Nigel Anthony in the Hornblower Story, adapted from
four of the C. S. Forester novels by Val Gielgud.
Part one from mister Mitchipman Hornblower, the even Chance.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Three days since a gentleman called upon me from London.
A publisher he called himself, wanted to persuade me to
write what he called my memoirs. Sent the fellow away
with a flee in his ear. Not true enough that
I've seen many places Gibraltar, the Levant, the coast of Spain,
at the inside of a French prison, that I've served
(01:04):
under Pelieu, at Saint Vincent and cornwallis that I was
Vice Admiral Lord Hornblower before I hold down.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
My flag for the last time.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
But a man forgets much as he grows older, and
there is much a wise man prefers not to remember.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
So I shall write no memoirs.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Better to sit by my fireside to recall in tranquility
some incidents of those early years when first I went
to sea in times of war with France. Perhaps the
clearest of all in my memory remains my first sight
of His Majesty King George's ship of the line Justinian
pitching at her anchors off spithead under a January.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Gale that blustered up the channel.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
I see myself as a skinny young man just out
of boyhood, thin legs and arms, right bony face above
a high stock and an ill fitting uniform. I see
the darkly tanned cheeks of mister masters Lieutenant of the
Watch aboard the Justinian. I hear the slapping of the
(02:15):
waves against her hull as I climbed awkwardly to her
quarter deck.
Speaker 4 (02:26):
Come aboard, sir, your name Horatio Hornblower, Sir, A very
little with mister Hornblaw.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
Did you bring your dunnage your board with you?
Speaker 5 (02:36):
There's my sea chest, sir, forehead at the entry poarts.
I'll have it sent below. I'd advise you to get
out of those wet clothes while you can. The captain's ashore.
You'll see you on his return. Hi, I sir, senior
midshipman of your mess is mister Simpson.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
Report yourself to him. I eye, sir. My name's Hornblower,
(03:18):
midship would you be, mister Simpson?
Speaker 3 (03:24):
A poor dame, but my name.
Speaker 6 (03:27):
I can only splay as you boarded this ship to
thrust yourself among your better to those who have to
teach you your duties whilst beating the French the King's
latest bad bargain.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
How old you seventeen, sir? In the start at twelve?
You hap to be a seaman. Do you know the
difference between a head and a hallyard? I could look
it up in Norris Seamanship, sir, look it out. You'd
better if you'll excuse me, sir, what's the matter. I'm afraid, afraid,
(04:06):
I'm God God.
Speaker 6 (04:08):
The boy sick sea, sick and spite and hopes to
make a secret.
Speaker 4 (04:14):
Guy my dear Hi a sir.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
It was a bad enough beginning, the beginning to days
of loneliness and misery for a boy shy and unsure
of himself who found the midshipman's berth occupied by men
all a good deal older than he, who for the
most part ignored him. Or was there much in his
first interview with Captain Keene to console or encourage him.
Speaker 4 (05:02):
So you're a doctor's son, I see, yes, sir.
Speaker 7 (05:05):
Born July the fourth, seventeen seventy six, five years before I.
Speaker 4 (05:11):
Was posted as captain.
Speaker 7 (05:13):
Yes, sir, If you wanted to make a career for yourself,
young man, you should have picked a.
Speaker 4 (05:20):
Lord for your father. How far did your education go
Greek and Latin? Sir?
Speaker 7 (05:27):
So you can construe Xenophon as well as Cicero.
Speaker 4 (05:30):
Not very well, sir.
Speaker 7 (05:31):
Better if you could foresee a scall in time to
get gallants in the navy.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
Has no use for ablative absolute. I have a fair
grounding in mathematics, sir. Signs and co sides, they are
their uses.
Speaker 7 (05:44):
Well they orders. Learn your duties. Not much harm can
come to you, Thank you, sir. It's one thing more,
mister Hornbler. I hope you pay attention to the senior
warrant officer of the Mitchman's birth, John Simpson. I do
my best, sir, as well. Mister Simpson has ability, he
is also his own worst enemy. He was given rank
(06:07):
as acting lieutenant, which would have been confirmed had his
mathematical knowledge been sufficient to make him a reliable navigator.
And so he conceives himself to have a grievance. Once
went so far as to address a superior officer as
attorneypad study mister Simpson, mister Hornblower, and profit by what
you see and hear.
Speaker 8 (06:34):
I find you a difficult young man, mister Hornlon.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
I'm sorry, mister Simpson. I do my best, So.
Speaker 6 (06:40):
Do you even grudge me a clean shirt from your
own lavish supply. I find that unfriendliness to Hornler. As
a doctor's son, I should have expected sympathy with a
needy What do you.
Speaker 4 (06:54):
Say, mister Cleveland.
Speaker 8 (06:56):
Oh, I agree with you, mister Simpson.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
And no doubt the doctor so was on good terms
with the parcel. And no doubt the parson helped with the.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
Education of mister Hornbler.
Speaker 6 (07:07):
Perhaps he taught mister Hornbler that fine poem energy in
a country churchyard.
Speaker 4 (07:12):
He did. Indeed, mister Simpson, it's a favorite of mine.
Speaker 6 (07:16):
You may care to refresh my memory of it by
reciting one or two verses.
Speaker 4 (07:20):
I'm not sure that I can actual, but I.
Speaker 9 (07:22):
Am certain you can, mister Hornbler, at any rate you
can dry well if you insist, I do, mister Hornbler,
I rarely do insist.
Speaker 4 (07:34):
The curfew told the knell of passing day, the lowing
herd wind slowly o'er the lee, the the I fear
I don't recall at the moment.
Speaker 7 (07:49):
Your dirk scattered, If you please, mister Cleveland, Here, mister Simpson.
Speaker 4 (07:53):
Thank you.
Speaker 6 (07:54):
Now, if you replace mister Hornblower's head between your knees,
I will do my best to stimulate memory, the curfew toes,
the knell of passing day, the lowing herd.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
There were moments during those weeks while the Justinian laid
anchor in that January of ninety four, when I longed,
and such is the absurdity of youth, even prayed for
sudden death to rescue me from the tyranny of John Simpson.
There came a day when he and I were ashore,
in charge of a press gang, awaiting the hands from
(08:34):
an expected West Indian convoy. We sat comfortably in the
back parlor of the lamb Inn before a roaring fire,
Simpson with a pot of beer laced with gin.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
At his elbow for one so all's well with the world.
Speaker 6 (08:52):
He's to the convoy, and may she be long delayed.
Drink up, boy, mister Chalk, your servant.
Speaker 4 (09:06):
Thank you, mister Simpson.
Speaker 10 (09:08):
I don't think I know your young companion.
Speaker 6 (09:10):
Mister Horner, Lieutenant Chalk of the Glas You should know,
mister Hornder. Mister Chalk distinguished as the midshipman who was
seasick the very day he came aboard in spittead.
Speaker 10 (09:22):
I have heard of other naval officers who suffer from seasickness.
Mister Simpson, perhaps you will join me in a glass.
I feel we may have a long wait for the convoy.
Your men are properly posted to watch for their hands
as they come ashore.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
They are, sir.
Speaker 4 (09:35):
That is well.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
You know.
Speaker 10 (09:37):
I imagine that I'm in general charge of the press.
Gangs are sure so, Captain keenan Thorn. Now we must
find some way to pass the time while we wait. Oh,
let me present my midshipman, mister Caldwell. Gentlemen, I suggest
a game of cards. Perhaps whist would give us all
scope for the exercise of our talents. You are acquainted
with it coldwell the rudiment, sir, mister Simpson.
Speaker 11 (09:59):
I enjoy any game, chance, mister Hornblower, with pleasure, sir.
Excellent stakes, gentlemen, A shilling, a trick and a guinea
on the rub capital.
Speaker 10 (10:09):
Then we may cut at once for places and partners.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
Hey potman, two.
Speaker 10 (10:14):
Clean packs of cards, more lights, and refilled the glass.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
As it happened, I had learnt whist in a good
school with my father, his friend the local parson and
the parson's wife. It took no more than three hands
to realize that Leutenland Chalk played a capital game, that
Caldwell was moderate, and that John Simpson was hopeless. It
took not much longer to realize that it was not
(10:46):
only a bad player, but a bad loser. His face
grew flushed with more than the heat of the fire,
and as the potman came and went with liquor, so
Simpson became both restless and noisy. My luck was in
and it was obvious that the tenant Chalk was relieved
to have me for his partner.
Speaker 10 (11:07):
My ace takes your queen, Conwell, and the rest are mine.
Speaker 4 (11:12):
What do you mean, Hornblower, I hold the king. He's right, Simpson.
Five tricks game and rubber dannit. I take another. Whether
you lead diamonds or hearts, I trump and make three
more clubs. Mister Simpsons, seems to me you know too
much about.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
The game, Hornblower.
Speaker 6 (11:27):
You know the backs of the cards almost as well
as you know their front.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
That is an insult, mister Simpson. I shall have to
ask you for satisfaction now, mister Hornblower.
Speaker 10 (11:38):
Mister Simpson had a moment with a loss of temper.
I'm sure he will explain.
Speaker 4 (11:41):
I have been accused of cheating a card, Sir. It's
a thing that takes im explaining away.
Speaker 10 (11:46):
Damn me if I'm mister Simpson, whine in and wit out,
says the proverb.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
All friends here.
Speaker 10 (11:52):
I'm sure mister Simpson was only joking.
Speaker 4 (11:55):
I know, mister Hornblower.
Speaker 10 (11:56):
Let us call for another bottle.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
With pleasure, sir.
Speaker 4 (12:01):
Good if mister Simpson will beg my pardon before you
two gentlemen, and admit that he spoke without justification. Otherwise
only one satisfaction is possible, apologize to you.
Speaker 3 (12:14):
I see you in hell fast.
Speaker 4 (12:17):
He's hardly more than a boy. Simpson.
Speaker 10 (12:19):
You can apologize without apologize.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Be damned.
Speaker 8 (12:23):
I shall look forward to letting daylight in here.
Speaker 4 (12:28):
You are a rash young man, mister Hornblower. I blame
myself that I gave occasion for what has happened. All
the same, I had no alternative, sir.
Speaker 10 (12:36):
Perhaps nonetheless, when mister Simpson is cooler, No, sir, but
I should be greatly obliged to you if you would
apprize Captain Keene of the facts.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
Gladly thank you.
Speaker 10 (12:47):
Sir, and perhaps mister Caldwell here will act for you.
Speaker 8 (12:50):
Of course, the man's a bully and.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
Pleasure mighty bad hand at wiz.
Speaker 3 (12:55):
Then I'll wish you luck.
Speaker 10 (12:56):
Mister Hornblown, it's time I made the round of my patrols.
Speaker 12 (13:04):
If I were you, Hornblower, I'd take let tone Chalk's advice.
He's a good officer, I'm sure of that. But you won't,
would you? Well, how do you want to fight that bully, Simpson?
You're the aggrieved party. You've choice of weapons, any skill.
Speaker 4 (13:19):
With a small sword, never handled one.
Speaker 13 (13:21):
Then pistols. I've heard he's a good shot, you're pretty cool.
Maybe I hardly care, but I thought we might make
the chances more even.
Speaker 4 (13:33):
And how would you propose to do that? In fact,
we could make them exactly even. Coldwell, we could have
two pistols, one loaded and the other empty. Since the
and I take our choice without knowing it, as which
stand within a yard of each other, and fire on
the word.
Speaker 12 (13:48):
I doubt if it would be legal, Well, one of
you would be killed, for certain.
Speaker 4 (13:53):
I thought killing was the object of the jewel you
wanted me, sir, I did masters.
Speaker 7 (14:05):
It's this absurd business of a meeting arranged between Young
Hornblower and John Simpson.
Speaker 14 (14:10):
Yes, sir, it shouldn't take place, not, sir.
Speaker 4 (14:13):
Confounded man.
Speaker 7 (14:14):
My officers have better things to do than to try
to kill each other, especially when our country is at war.
Speaker 14 (14:20):
Quite so, Captain King, sir. But when a ship is
at anchor for weeks on.
Speaker 7 (14:24):
End, I may be an explanation, It is not an excuse.
Speaker 4 (14:27):
I want you to settle this business.
Speaker 14 (14:30):
Attempts have been made, sir. Both men are very stubborn.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
One is a boy, the other is a bully.
Speaker 4 (14:36):
But till you, Lieutenant masters.
Speaker 3 (14:37):
It won't do.
Speaker 14 (14:38):
Every one in the ship is aware of the facts
of the case. If I might be frank, sir, certainly, certainly,
I believe it would be good for the general morale
of the ship if the thing was brought to a head.
Why do you say that Simpson is generally disliked, Sir,
Young Hornblower. He's an unknown quantity. He may be only shy,
(15:00):
he may.
Speaker 7 (15:01):
Be too big for his boots, and under the conditions
demanded by Hornblower and found him, one or the other is.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
Almost certain to be killed.
Speaker 14 (15:08):
Exactly So, sir, Oh, you like the idea, It would
solve problems.
Speaker 7 (15:13):
Sir, If you mean what I think, I don't like it.
Speaker 3 (15:17):
I'll see here.
Speaker 7 (15:19):
I rely on you masters to do your very best
to achieve an accommodation. An accommodation. You understand.
Speaker 14 (15:29):
Why insist on satisfaction, mister Hornblower. I understand it was
merely a question of a few hasty words over cards
and wine.
Speaker 4 (15:36):
Mister Simpson accused me of cheating, sir before witnesses, and
the witnesses were not officers of this ship. I am
aware of that, and they been my shipmates, and might
have chosen to disregard mister Simpson's words as the ramblings
of a drunken ball. What passed between us is now
common property in the fleet. There is no hushing it up.
Speaker 14 (15:52):
You still demand satisfaction, I do, sir, I see do.
I also understand you are insisting on unusual conditions for
the meeting.
Speaker 4 (16:01):
I suppose they might be called unusual, Sir.
Speaker 3 (16:03):
There is no question of suppose, mister Hornblower.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
There are precedents, sir. As the insulted party, I am
entitled to choose any conditions which the seconds deem to
be fair.
Speaker 14 (16:11):
That is the talk of a sea lawyer, not of
a ship's officer.
Speaker 4 (16:15):
I'm sorry for that, Sir. My father has often rebuked
me for being too BLib with my turn. Let us
keep to the point.
Speaker 14 (16:21):
You are absolutely determined to continue with a business I
can only describe as murderous. Yes, sir, Then I must
inform you that Captain Keene has instructed me to be
present at your meeting with mister Simpson on account of
these strange conditions on which you have insisted. Yes, sir,
I shall request the Seconds to make their arrangements accordingly.
Very good, sir, I am grateful for the Captain's concern.
(16:43):
On my account. You will long make no mistake, mister Hornblower.
The Captain has things more important to consider than your skin.
Speaker 4 (16:53):
I am sure of that the feeling is mutual.
Speaker 3 (16:55):
Mister Hornblower. Are you a prig or a fool?
Speaker 4 (16:58):
Sometimes? I have asked myself that question, sir, indeed, and
have you answered it? Not yet, sir, not to my
own satisfaction. I hope that one day I may be able.
Speaker 2 (17:09):
All my life I have suffered from a sense of uncertainty,
uncertainty regarding myself. Perhaps it is too that sense that
I owe a certain stubbornness of disposition. Once I've made
up my mind over this business with John Simpson, there
was much to be said for escaping from my persecution
in his hands by dying. At the same time, I
(17:32):
realized it would be agreeable to escape from it without dying.
Simpson was certainly a bitter swordsman and might be a
bit of shot. The conditions for the meeting which I
had named, surely gave me rather more than an even chance,
which was just as well. As I lay awake hearing
(17:55):
the Justinian's bell ring out each half hour during the
night before the morning arranged for the I knew that
if I had no more to depend upon the steadiness
of hand and I, I should almost certainly be dead
before another nightfall. An hour before dawn, the valet Caldwell
(18:19):
was waiting for me at the jetty with a Hackney coach.
Speaker 3 (18:28):
Take a sip of Vishall blood. It's a warm your stomach.
Speaker 8 (18:33):
You've no special need for a steady hand this morning.
Speaker 4 (18:36):
Thank you. No, I had some tea before coming ashore.
Speaker 3 (18:41):
The others will be there before us.
Speaker 8 (18:44):
I saw the quarterboat heading back just before I reached
the jetty.
Speaker 3 (18:48):
The sawboneses with him.
Speaker 8 (18:49):
Well, God knows what you see can be in the circumstances.
Speaker 4 (18:52):
No doubt he'll do his best. How do you feel
well enough?
Speaker 14 (18:58):
I think now, gentlemen, here are the pistols, both, as
you see, are primed, but only one is loaded. I
(19:20):
propose to spin this coin to decide the allocation of
the weapons.
Speaker 4 (19:24):
Let the winner of the spin shows.
Speaker 14 (19:25):
Very well, pray call mister Hornblower tails tails. It is
make your choice, mister Hornblower, this one, if you please.
Speaker 3 (19:40):
I have done what was required of me.
Speaker 14 (19:42):
It remains for you, two gentlemen, to carry the business through. Yes, sir,
take this one, mister Simpson. I am obliged to you.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
Sir.
Speaker 6 (19:51):
I trust mister Hornblower will handle that weapon more carefully.
Speaker 3 (19:55):
He is a public danger.
Speaker 8 (19:57):
There are no distances to step out on this occasion.
Speaker 4 (20:01):
It's level enough here.
Speaker 8 (20:02):
I fancy will you stand here, Homebler.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
And you here, mister Simpson.
Speaker 14 (20:07):
I thank you for the last time, gentlemen, I beg you.
Can you not be reconciled a moment?
Speaker 4 (20:15):
Who is to give the word to fire?
Speaker 3 (20:17):
Thank you, mister Cleveland.
Speaker 8 (20:19):
I suggest we ask Lieutenant Masters to give it.
Speaker 14 (20:22):
If you will agree very well, I will say one
two three, file with those intervals on that last word.
Speaker 3 (20:33):
You may fire at will. You are ready, yes, ready,
one two.
Speaker 4 (20:43):
Three.
Speaker 2 (20:46):
Despite the pounding of my heart, my mind was clear.
Speaker 3 (20:50):
At that moment.
Speaker 2 (20:51):
I knew that even if the loaded pistol was mine,
I could not kill Simpson.
Speaker 3 (20:56):
A wound would suffice.
Speaker 2 (20:58):
I raised the weapon slightly so that it was directed
towards the point of Simpson's shoulder.
Speaker 3 (21:04):
Fire. He's your Simpson. Thank you Cleveland.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
It looks like it.
Speaker 3 (21:18):
A missfire.
Speaker 14 (21:18):
By God, give me those pistols, the loaded ones, hanging fire.
Speaker 3 (21:22):
We don't want it to go off.
Speaker 14 (21:23):
Now, honor is satisfied. Both gentlemen have passed through this
ordeal with credit.
Speaker 3 (21:32):
No one now can.
Speaker 14 (21:33):
Think less of mister Simpson if he expresses his regret
to mister Hornblower. No one can think less of mister
Hornblower if he accepts such a statement in reparation. Hey,
mister Simpson, if you say so, sir mister Hornblower, very well,
that is satisfactory.
Speaker 8 (21:50):
I wish you could all see your faces.
Speaker 4 (21:52):
Solomon's cow.
Speaker 14 (21:53):
Mister Cleveland, be so good as to relieve your feelings
in a manner more befitting. Well, gentlemen, our coaches are
waiting in the cutis at the jetty.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
I think we should all be the better for some.
Speaker 2 (22:02):
Breakfast, And that I fancy should have been the end
of the incident. The talk it had occasioned, and the
anchored squadron died away. It made more difference to me
than I now cared to confess that the name of
Hornblower no longer meant the midshipman who had been seasick
when he boarded the Justinian, but a man who had
(22:24):
been willing to face an even chance of death in
cold blood. However, in the Justinian herself there was other talk.
Whispers circulated and grew. They came to my ears, and
very angry they made me.
Speaker 7 (22:40):
Wanted to see me, mister Hornblom, I do Captain Keene,
who seemed to me rather a disturbed young man with reason, sir, Yes,
I fancy I can guess what you wish to say.
Speaker 4 (22:52):
Those pistols he was in my jewel with mister Simpson.
Neither of them was loaded, sir.
Speaker 7 (23:00):
How quite correct, mister Hornber I gave the orders to
lieutenant masters. What is more, I saved the life of
the King's service a valuable life. No one has suffered harm.
Both you and Simpson have amply proved your courage. You
both know you can stand fire. That is valuable knowledge
for a naval officer. Every man in this squadron knows
it too.
Speaker 4 (23:20):
My honor remains in question, sir.
Speaker 7 (23:22):
Blur your courage with priggishness, mister Hornder seems I have
to remind you of one admirable regulation of the Navy,
and to the effect that no junior officer can challenge
his superior to a duel. That the reason is obvious,
otherwise promotion might become too easy, Sir. The mere issuing
(23:44):
of a challenge by a junior to a senior is
an offense.
Speaker 4 (23:48):
Mister Hornbar, I see now that I acted hastily and foolishly, Sir.
Speaker 15 (23:55):
Good in that case, Sir, there is another matter that
I wish to take up with you, mister Hornbla. Sir,
Captain Pellu of the Indefatigable has room for another midshipman
once more, he's partial to a game of wisdom, has
no good forth on board. Now he and I have
agreed to consider favorably your application for an issue you
(24:18):
care to make one I.
Speaker 7 (24:20):
Don't imagine I have to point out that any young
officer with ambitions would jump with the chance of serving
under Captain Pellew in a frigate No, sir, rise, money, distinction, promotion,
you can reasonably hope for all of these. Of course,
I would not wish to influence you and duly, mister Hornbler,
but I do not think that I am exaggerating when
I say it is the opportunity.
Speaker 3 (24:40):
Of a lifetime.
Speaker 4 (24:42):
It is more than good of you, sir. I hardly
know how to thank you. At the same time you
accepted me as a midshipman in the Justinian. Of course
I must stay with you. Thank you, mister Hornbler.
Speaker 7 (24:54):
However, I am going to insist on your accepting the offer.
Speaker 4 (24:58):
Captain Keene as lieutenant masters.
Speaker 7 (25:00):
Has I gather intimated to you this ship is not
the place for a young man of promise. The midshipmen
are older than they should be. You see, I do
have the good of the service in mind.
Speaker 4 (25:11):
I hardly know what to say, Sir.
Speaker 7 (25:12):
I didn't say nothing. Simply accept Captain Pellew's invitation. It
would make things easier for me if you did. It
would also make things easier for John Simpson.
Speaker 4 (25:23):
You understand, ay ay, Sir, I understand, and I appreciate
your frankness and advice. Sir.
Speaker 7 (25:30):
It remains for me to issue the best of good
fortune under your new command.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
Mister Wormbar, I was never to know exactly what was
in Captain Keyne's mind, the good of the service, the
future welfare of the midshipman. He hardly knew Captain Pellhu's
need of a fourth and whist the desirability of separating
John Simpson from myself. At the time, I could only
(25:55):
think of the frigate, indefatigable sailing free for the Bay
of Biscuy and operations off the coast of France of
Sir Edward Pelhu, with his reputation as a frigate captain.
For the first time, I think I was convinced that
I had a future as a naval officer.
Speaker 1 (26:43):
In Part one of the Hornblower Story, you heard Nigel
Anthony as Lord Hornblower the narrator, with Nicholas Frye in
the role of Horatio as a youth Lieutenant Masters was
played by Anthony Wingate, mister Midshipman Simpson, Ralph Lawford, Captain
Keene Charles Foster, Mister Midshipman Cleveland, Paul Hertzberg, Lieutenant chalk
(27:07):
Ian Flintoff and Mister Midshipman Caldwell Keith Ladd. The musical
score is composed by Johnny Pearson. The Hornblower Story is
directed in Manchester by Trevor Hill, assisted by Christopher Haydn
(27:27):
Webb
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Rewarded for bravery that goes above and beyond the call of duty, the Medal of Honor is the United States’ top military decoration. The stories we tell are about the heroes who have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism and courage that have saved lives. From Judith Resnik, the second woman in space, to Daniel Daly, one of only 19 people to have received the Medal of Honor twice, these are stories about those who have done the improbable and unexpected, who have sacrificed something in the name of something much bigger than themselves. Every Wednesday on Medal of Honor, uncover what their experiences tell us about the nature of sacrifice, why people put their lives in danger for others, and what happens after you’ve become a hero. Special thanks to series creator Dan McGinn, to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Adam Plumpton. Medal of Honor begins on May 28. Subscribe to Pushkin+ to hear ad-free episodes one week early. Find Pushkin+ on the Medal of Honor show page in Apple or at Pushkin.fm. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus
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