May 2, 2025 • 27 mins
Follows the naval adventures of a British officer during the Napoleonic Wars, highlighting his leadership and bravery. The series combines historical context with maritime action.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:07):
Hold our hands back to quarters, because stand by this
table better.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
One broadside didn't want it to please. Captain Bush points
us on the pocket.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
This stops ready. I already fire.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Pressing Michael Redgrave at SS.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
Forester's indomitable Man of the Sea, Horatio Hornblower might have
(01:53):
been many years at sea. Sometimes seems a little difficult,
how much didn't say, oh, jist to live ashore, especially
when your lovely wife had ad all recent bride rather
expected to become a country gentleman.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
All life is made up of change, they say. But
for an old sea dog, new tricks come harder than
for other breeds.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
I think, well, there, I was not longer turned from
confinement in France. Is the unwelcome guest of Buonaparte and
grunted a knighthood, happily married to my enchanting lady Barbara,
three of all financial cares of glass. And yet and yet,
so yes, I knew it for my fault, But somehow
(02:34):
they're in the quiet English countryside.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
I hadn't quite come home as yet, have a bit.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
It's mostly on the deck the floor already, isn't it,
Kim The side of a key board A fine way
for a grown man to bathe in job.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
All right, I've had enough. Give me a.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
Ridiculous contrivances, Give me a watch, deck, pump and gallons
of cold seawater. Remember brown, Oh remember sa ratio? Believe
that's ratio.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Old terms are good enough, aren't there, you idiot? Yes, sir,
it's a lovely morning, sir, Yes, yes, sir. Still and quiet,
it's very quiet.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
It's queer when I wake here, and I still keep
listening to the sounds rattle of block.
Speaker 2 (03:24):
The cord is wheezing. And oh, never mind, I'll lay
out your new suitor. Oh well, let's get it on.
Must keep Lady Barbara waiting downstairs with her breakfast.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
Welcome to the new Squire of small Bridge, laughing at me.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
You know perfectly well, Barbara, how I felt about that
insufferable ceremony.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
Yes to this a squire, and I do know, my dear.
Speaker 5 (03:52):
And you were sweet, suffering at all, without complainting only
the faintest glare of defiance now and then enjoying the speech,
making coffee.
Speaker 4 (04:01):
Dear, thank you.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
Well, what do we have planned today?
Speaker 5 (04:04):
I thought that you and I might drive across the
duns this morning, of course, you said, you had a
lot of reading you've been putting off.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Well, yes, yes, I do want to get to that.
It's yes, quite soon. In fact, oh oh, thank you, Wiggins.
The messenger is waiting my lord from the Admiralty in London.
Speaker 4 (04:25):
A darling it it couldn't be.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
The Lord's Commissioner's requested. I present myself at once matters
of extreme importance, which cannot even be discussed except.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
In at Wiggins, where's Brown?
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Tell him to get out my best uniform and thought,
tell him to pack my things for the night and look.
Tell him right away, the letter says, at once, member,
we're still at war with Bonaparte? How often you Wiggins?
Tell Brown, I'll be upstairs immediately. I want him to
drive me. We're I wished I didn't need to look
at her just then, after the first surprise. She would
(05:07):
try so hard to appear calm and pleased.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
That I was pleased.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
I haven't been quite frankly that perhaps to be exact.
The letter asked whether or not I would accept a
new appointment.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
I I didn't know what to say to Barbara, but oh,
my dearest, merely for the night. I'll be back in
the morning. Whatever there is a month.
Speaker 4 (05:27):
To yes, for a day or so, perhaps.
Speaker 5 (05:31):
I'll just look at you, brazen child, excited as a midshipman.
Speaker 4 (05:36):
It's breaking over you in waves. Do you suppose I
don't see it?
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Oh, my dear win, Well, when the admiralphy it's so uh,
I must at least find out.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
I know what you'll find out.
Speaker 5 (05:46):
Wild horses couldn't hold you now. Of course, do you
know how long we've lived here at small Bridge?
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Why? Eyes?
Speaker 4 (05:53):
Two months? Two months tomorrow?
Speaker 2 (05:55):
I oh, oh dearest, I'm always known.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
Retirement simply isn't in your line. It's a great honor
to be recalled so soon. You must be pleased, and
I am too.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
If they.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
If they appointed me a uh a a commodore, well
they might you know, well, well if they did, I
I might have to go back to see again.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Darling.
Speaker 5 (06:21):
We've been married six whole months, a wonderful half year.
Speaker 4 (06:26):
I've had that much of happiness with you, And whatever happens,
you'll come back to me.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
I know you will, of course I will, Oh, Barbara, Barbara,
I sway, you're a woman in ten possss. It was
(06:53):
you know, in all my life I'd said no truer
word than that I'd told myself as we.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
Drove up to London. We made excellent time.
Speaker 1 (07:01):
Brown knew his business with horses. I never understood the
peculiar beasts. The Brown was good at everything, best Captain's
Coxon and the navy, and now the perfect lands, and
still rather thought he mightn't mind going back to sea again.
There was a queer look in his eye, especially when
we drew up before the Admiralty in Whitehall and I
(07:22):
was ushered into the first lord.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Sit down, Sit down.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
Captain Ratio, well, well left you and you found domestic
miss behind eh.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
When he received our letter, Well may I ask what
it does you have in mind for Meissa? Of course
you may the Baltic Horatio. The Baltic is Russia coming
into the warm and who knows?
Speaker 1 (07:41):
I wish I did had very questions at the heart
of this whole project. Our letter did say it in
it that you take rank of commodore as with a
captain under you, you have six ships, and none such
seventy four a ship of four nonsense, I know, how welter.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
Both the Russian Czar.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
And Prince Bernadot a swe even have Peter Beck and
forth for much. From all I've heard, Bonnie is making
tempting offers to them both, and Bernard's the Frenchman.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
After all, is there really any chance that they might
join us with They might if we handle them.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Sensibly, they have as much fear as we now. Bonny
has gobbled up most of the continent. The dial be
carved any day, we think if we can show those
Baltic parts on Busish naval string the canton. I understand
that at any rate we've got to keep the Baltic
open for supplies. So much that we need here comes
by those sea labes.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Well, are you ready? Is it settleds? It's settled?
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Good?
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Now tell me who would you like for captain.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
Of the nun You I like her Bush, So if
he's available, I'd hate to go to see without Old
Bush and other thought you'd asked for him. The wooden
leg Ofise won't be a handicapped I think not. You
too have seen some things together, haven't you, Hirst smits
young lieutenants on the Old and nine.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Well, then Bush it shall be. Now, then let's walk
across and see the fine set. He sure to have
some secret orders for you. Time had come to say
goodbye to Barbara.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
She'd hold with me from small Bridge to deal jetted,
and I'm such from the five others of my pretty
new squadron lay far offshore, half lost in morning list.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Brown was looking much too pleased.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
I had to take him down a little. I stopped
moaning at those mastheads. Brown go hire like a man
to take us out step live dinner. Yes, captain commodole
that it winds veering norried a little west by north.
Speaker 4 (09:37):
I think, yes, dear, so you remarked as we were driving.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
I beg your pardon. You were telling me about my shirts,
I interrupted, No, I'd finished with the shirts.
Speaker 4 (09:46):
What I was saying was that.
Speaker 5 (09:48):
All your cold weather things are in the flaxia chest,
the sheepskin coat, and heavy socks and mittens.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
And oh well, Brown understands he.
Speaker 4 (09:59):
Also hasn't his care a certain little package a surprise
survide that, after all, I wouldn't.
Speaker 5 (10:05):
Try to surprise you, would It's just a woollan next
scarf I'd be knitting for you, And it's likely to
be cold up in the Baltic even now.
Speaker 2 (10:12):
Yeah. I don't like cold.
Speaker 4 (10:15):
I hope, I do, hope so much that you'll be
back before the winter, So do I.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
Mm hmmm, I think of Nick Barbara.
Speaker 4 (10:25):
I need you ask that you'll like me. Everything?
Speaker 2 (10:28):
Mm everything makes you deep cold of course. Goodbye, Ma, goodbye.
Speaker 4 (10:40):
Come back to me, Come back to me.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
It touched me if you had said it. Come back
to me.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
I can even witness white of any common seaming, if
by some power of my own I could control French
cannon shot.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
But it made me not a little.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
More, and made my heartache too, that she should say
such foolish things.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
For all her pride and elegance.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
A little lugger pitched and rolled along tip all alone
after my ship.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
I could have let her come along. It would have
done no harm.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
They had seen me from the nuns, such as we
can tossing up the wind, and laid into the big two.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Deckers leaf I out. Then Bush's captain.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
Had termed the whole crew. I would pull dress, and
I was piped aboard with all the honors of a commodore.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
Ship. With every man a board was in.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
A state of polish, bright glasswork, thick side boys in
white gloves, the whole marine guard and their band, the
double lane of Bosn's mates with pipes tryish displayed. Perhaps
some say it is it has it's wow exhilarations. Somehow
there was old Bush on the quarterdeck, surrounded by his officers,
(12:11):
all saluting stiffley. I had to check myself where I
might actually have been.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
That that would have been.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Ruinous discipline, So naturally I just stalked up the line
handed salution morning Captain Bush, Good morning, sir, Welcome aboard,
sometimes says we've met Kevin Bush. You will note that
your pennant's going up.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
Commodore's flagged. Didn't make your ship in the foot up.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Oh indeed, well, Captain Bush, we shall get on the
way at once if you don't mind.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
No time to lose. They're good enough to signore. The
others of the squadron eyes are very good.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
We sail on secret orders. I'll apprise you of their nature.
Captain Busher, who kindly dine with me this afternoon.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Oh see I am, I said, sir, Thank you.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Miss Adrims passed the word to our five other ships
on the way at once, and keep formation.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
I under the way, Ronzoll not butt right, See who's
scarring off to Stargetzer? May I find your glass? Is
it the sloops. No, no, no, no smelling Bush. No,
I was just trying to make out the jetty. My
wife's there. M mist hasn't quite clearly.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
Come on, oh, brand Captain Bush will be dining with
me here befure the things come up hot from the galley, when,
of course I've finished your unpacking. I trusted satisfactory, sir.
I placed the gift from Lady Barbara. They're on the
Barkat show.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
Yes, I saw it.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
Oh, it's a beautiful nicksculture, such poun and soft wool.
I was to remind you to wear it's a cold morning. Yes, yes, yes,
all right, I'll consider it. Come ah, Captain Bush, I'll
go and bring a dinner, well well.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Alone at last.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
Look, you know you had me grinning like some absurd
schoolboy up there this morning.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
I was so proud, so flattery that you'd ask for
me in the ratio.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
I scarcely I said that, I don't know becoming any minute.
I'm glad to see you, my old friend. Oh well,
let's get down to things are more important. Look, I've
been studying my so called secret daughters and these charts.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
We're headed for the Skagerak, my friend I was inclined
to think so.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
And through the Cattagat and up the marrows the Dames
will resist, I suppose, can't help themselves, Napoleons on their back.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
And what about the Swedes.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
That's just what no one seems to know. It's touch
and go apparently with both the Swedes and rush, and
we have to be prepared for anything. Catta Gat Sound
is only three miles wide. Part of the way Sweden.
The port Denmark is starbars real Skiller and Charybdis huh, well, Bush,
the powers that we have left decisions up to us,
and we are going to have to improvise. And once
(15:18):
we're off Gerta Borg, I I'm going to try and
pick up some fashion he was on Swedish doings. Let's
hope that Bernadotte is leaning our way by themselves, Bush.
If not, we will simply have to blast our way
in some half up through the North Sea into the Skagarack.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Scarcely a sail sighted off our bios. The whole first
week deserted waters. Even in the Skagarack off Denmark.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
Now and then we'd see a tiny fishing boat far off.
None withinhal We had no meanings. We strained our eyes
with some revealing sign. Had Bernardot made up his mind?
Speaker 2 (16:04):
By love? Were he and Russia enemies? Neutrals? Or even friends?
Speaker 1 (16:08):
If hadn't sensibility Before sunrise I found Bush on the quarterdeck.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
We still known rules? Are we to run the gauntlet?
Then we're nearing the hursting board? Narrow? And wonder Bush?
How many guns are on that Swedish shore?
Speaker 1 (16:26):
Multitude? So you may be sure the charts there are
a good dozen faults. Shouldn't we send the boat in, Sir?
Find out how sweden'stan the last night?
Speaker 2 (16:35):
I thought so, Bush, it has its logic.
Speaker 1 (16:36):
I admit on Aleander a boat which only advertise our presence, which, Sir,
if both sides of the carricats are hostile, we could
dash in the moment that is light enough to see
the channel, surprise them, and perhaps get through even if
Sweden does resist. Yes, but then if Sweden has joined Bonaparte,
won't we be bottled up inside the Baltic well? The
(16:59):
Baltic is a size the bull sea.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Bush, I suspect we could maintain ourselves the while.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
Yes, still almost an hour till dawn, and gives us
time to clear our decks. Yes, I think we'll go
in Bush. This morning, an hour had passed. We came
(17:27):
into the narrow channel just as the dawn broke in
a dull gray mist. The starboard hostile Denmark, the port
the riddle Sweden was sheer enemy.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
Well, we'd soon know at all events.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
Are the guns on our captain bushs and the fire
prompts manned on every ship is for it?
Speaker 6 (17:47):
Uh?
Speaker 1 (17:47):
What's signal poisting to our other ships? Are the signal
is proceed till low in battle order? Lotus shall lead,
Lotus still lead to the desired did.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
Can bring up the rear bush naturally? Face?
Speaker 1 (18:05):
I know, I know it's disappointing not to lead, but
we have a shepherd of this nipple flock. We're the
best built the lee hips might get through before those
shot gunners wake up.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
It's a wake already. Were sure fired that today they
seen us? Sir?
Speaker 1 (18:20):
Yes, there's a drift of smoke to starboard. Seems verys
firing to starboard coupon bush. Yes, mister Adam, so I
get it. By the way, I did you know that
those low cliffs are elsin or were hamlet wolf? I
beg your pardon here with no time now for literary
small talk. Have we signals the lotus? Mister Bush returned
the fire to starboard the Keeap exact station the stan
(18:42):
at the Harvey. If you please, I say lotus and
clamor getting back as because they're getting ah.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
They are Bush Bush. This channel's full of shoals. I
remember that from years ago.
Speaker 1 (18:59):
I remember, tu, sir, I put legmond in the chains.
They'll sing out from a reaching shallow water.
Speaker 2 (19:04):
Good.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
But the sloops and the three others don't flaw as
much as letting compliment your push have thought of everything well,
bron your next gorture, oh.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
Nonsense in the midst of an action. How dare you
come up here? It's very cold this early in the morning.
Begging your pardon, said I had my orders.
Speaker 1 (19:18):
You will get below round, all right, or I give
you the scar Yes, there is a bit chill elsin
or about. The channel widened as we were out of
range from shore in me about an hour I reckon
(19:41):
before we reached the further narrows, a longer gauntlet to
be run, and at its end two Danish islands sought
home and Amergan. We had to pass between these close
to both full daylight. Now they'd see us coming. We
can no longer profit by surprise. But anyhow, all hands
at breakfast relaxed and waited, as I knew for the
(20:02):
real test.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
An infernal din of guns broke out as we approached
the channel.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
Well, well, last starboard guns can speak together.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
After all well done. I wasn't too sure about that
little ragged so far the Swedish guns had all stayed silent,
and as if.
Speaker 1 (20:30):
To make up for that, though the day was going
and everything they had at it sought home and wider
waters seemed a very long way off.
Speaker 2 (20:38):
And I must have walking up and done. Now that
wouldn't do indifferences in the commodore. So I stood still
and looked about me casually. Why the.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
Sex Fathoms are quite unpart the worse for the tide making,
I think so, so I wouldn't care the brisk quests
and fires though a small fine.
Speaker 3 (21:01):
The Mark Sex put another lit one of the port
chains quick.
Speaker 2 (21:05):
The adults look bus thought.
Speaker 1 (21:06):
Home and AMaGA at last see them wearing up ahead
there bristling Ambiband.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Yes, smoke bursting from AMaGA already.
Speaker 1 (21:14):
This tells the story Sortom was going to keep the
powest toward why and saving a soul and c I hope.
Speaker 6 (21:26):
What a neighbors to the same poo? Why why and
hearing those souls too? Parmys quite help is he says?
He see damnable luck boh with be a longsider in
a moment.
Speaker 1 (21:45):
Back the wag tops and why the healing mine all
the way picking coming aboard the hort.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
There, Hey, I do thank him with the kill.
Speaker 2 (22:05):
We'll ring miss them on the board here, said mandan
Chorian captain.
Speaker 3 (22:08):
But what that religionize? More down.
Speaker 2 (22:18):
We hit two dromis and top massk.
Speaker 3 (22:20):
On by them.
Speaker 1 (22:21):
Bye, Hi the mad Bye, that's better. We've just been
bearing off the should Yeah, here's that one leaching.
Speaker 2 (22:32):
As much too easily solto.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
I don't like if there's a short range null a
where the lad Look here those two stores are there.
Speaker 2 (22:39):
Let's make a triple boat. You might lie just beyond
the highest part. It seems fairly lot to do.
Speaker 1 (22:43):
Why not? But sir, how do we know where to
hie eyes a fat man? Sir Adams has turbo batteries
raised sight, try for the hits beyond that thing went
fort say by by en yard by fifteen yards past
the word Adams incident.
Speaker 3 (23:02):
I'm a lad wire. Are you thinking yard right?
Speaker 2 (23:06):
What wild idea? I suppose we sid?
Speaker 1 (23:11):
They can't said ye until the hobby is in told
so much like duck hunting with the monst of the duty.
There's no good sid and I help, he's gonna trap
these comes, They'll think any minute, alas.
Speaker 2 (23:29):
Wid Let's try another selbush twenty yards beyond the horses.
Speaker 3 (23:32):
Time past the word Adams twenty yards twenty yard has
(23:54):
four things that blast?
Speaker 2 (23:57):
I think, why guess we've taken the fort with it?
Speaker 1 (24:01):
That thoughts as singularly silent.
Speaker 2 (24:06):
I you don't quite believe my eyes? Lucky guess in
place of sound ballistics? Eh, that makes no sense. Well,
yeah to business, I'm where's my company?
Speaker 3 (24:21):
You are lives secure? Let me get out of here.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
I was coming over now and sink you once down
first understand, well, sir, not a bad afternoon.
Speaker 2 (24:47):
Harvey is in tow. Lotus took one poor hit. We
have a horror to on our own shroud, but no
ships lock.
Speaker 7 (24:53):
I shan't forget what we did.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
Those powers tore them thought, Oh yes, that was the
satisfactory moment.
Speaker 2 (25:00):
I'm a bit tired Adams, Miss Adams.
Speaker 1 (25:04):
Has mister mand been brought up? Yes, he's he's off
unconscious now the sergeants with him.
Speaker 2 (25:09):
I want to see him concussions with a lot of pratulations.
Oh here you are, man, ssn't taking care of you
all right? Yes, thank you. We're taking below the sick
bed in a moment.
Speaker 1 (25:24):
I'm proud of.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
All my young officers to say, man, I'm not too
uncomfortable enough. Did all of us get rouser all our
ships that we did? What pleases me?
Speaker 1 (25:35):
Those Danish guns raked us with all they had, but
not one shell from Sweden's coast. They're not against us yet,
but anyway, he's shipping at the cold, is off, no
care but the scarf fround his neck control because I
don't need it.
Speaker 2 (25:48):
But he don't come on take it? Well, then I'll
do it myself.
Speaker 1 (25:55):
That better, man, Yes, wonderful, thank you. We held a
fishing bird two minutes ago.
Speaker 2 (26:00):
Man, And at these Blantur passed through the water guested.
Speaker 1 (26:04):
Him big fence corvette. So at least twenty guns. She
must be just ahead of it. Oh you have to
get well quickly, man, I don't want to miss the fun.
Speaker 7 (26:14):
William A ratio Hornblower starring Michael Redgrave, is based on
the novels by C. S. Foresters. Music composed and conducted
(26:38):
by Sydney Torch, produced by Harry Allen Towers.
Hold our hands back to quarters, because stand by this
table better.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
One broadside didn't want it to please. Captain Bush points
us on the pocket.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
This stops ready. I already fire.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Pressing Michael Redgrave at SS.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
Forester's indomitable Man of the Sea, Horatio Hornblower might have
(01:53):
been many years at sea. Sometimes seems a little difficult,
how much didn't say, oh, jist to live ashore, especially
when your lovely wife had ad all recent bride rather
expected to become a country gentleman.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
All life is made up of change, they say. But
for an old sea dog, new tricks come harder than
for other breeds.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
I think, well, there, I was not longer turned from
confinement in France. Is the unwelcome guest of Buonaparte and
grunted a knighthood, happily married to my enchanting lady Barbara,
three of all financial cares of glass. And yet and yet,
so yes, I knew it for my fault, But somehow
(02:34):
they're in the quiet English countryside.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
I hadn't quite come home as yet, have a bit.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
It's mostly on the deck the floor already, isn't it,
Kim The side of a key board A fine way
for a grown man to bathe in job.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
All right, I've had enough. Give me a.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
Ridiculous contrivances, Give me a watch, deck, pump and gallons
of cold seawater. Remember brown, Oh remember sa ratio? Believe
that's ratio.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Old terms are good enough, aren't there, you idiot? Yes, sir,
it's a lovely morning, sir, Yes, yes, sir. Still and quiet,
it's very quiet.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
It's queer when I wake here, and I still keep
listening to the sounds rattle of block.
Speaker 2 (03:24):
The cord is wheezing. And oh, never mind, I'll lay
out your new suitor. Oh well, let's get it on.
Must keep Lady Barbara waiting downstairs with her breakfast.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
Welcome to the new Squire of small Bridge, laughing at me.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
You know perfectly well, Barbara, how I felt about that
insufferable ceremony.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
Yes to this a squire, and I do know, my dear.
Speaker 5 (03:52):
And you were sweet, suffering at all, without complainting only
the faintest glare of defiance now and then enjoying the speech,
making coffee.
Speaker 4 (04:01):
Dear, thank you.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
Well, what do we have planned today?
Speaker 5 (04:04):
I thought that you and I might drive across the
duns this morning, of course, you said, you had a
lot of reading you've been putting off.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Well, yes, yes, I do want to get to that.
It's yes, quite soon. In fact, oh oh, thank you, Wiggins.
The messenger is waiting my lord from the Admiralty in London.
Speaker 4 (04:25):
A darling it it couldn't be.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
The Lord's Commissioner's requested. I present myself at once matters
of extreme importance, which cannot even be discussed except.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
In at Wiggins, where's Brown?
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Tell him to get out my best uniform and thought,
tell him to pack my things for the night and look.
Tell him right away, the letter says, at once, member,
we're still at war with Bonaparte? How often you Wiggins?
Tell Brown, I'll be upstairs immediately. I want him to
drive me. We're I wished I didn't need to look
at her just then, after the first surprise. She would
(05:07):
try so hard to appear calm and pleased.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
That I was pleased.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
I haven't been quite frankly that perhaps to be exact.
The letter asked whether or not I would accept a
new appointment.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
I I didn't know what to say to Barbara, but oh,
my dearest, merely for the night. I'll be back in
the morning. Whatever there is a month.
Speaker 4 (05:27):
To yes, for a day or so, perhaps.
Speaker 5 (05:31):
I'll just look at you, brazen child, excited as a midshipman.
Speaker 4 (05:36):
It's breaking over you in waves. Do you suppose I
don't see it?
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Oh, my dear win, Well, when the admiralphy it's so uh,
I must at least find out.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
I know what you'll find out.
Speaker 5 (05:46):
Wild horses couldn't hold you now. Of course, do you
know how long we've lived here at small Bridge?
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Why? Eyes?
Speaker 4 (05:53):
Two months? Two months tomorrow?
Speaker 2 (05:55):
I oh, oh dearest, I'm always known.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
Retirement simply isn't in your line. It's a great honor
to be recalled so soon. You must be pleased, and
I am too.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
If they.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
If they appointed me a uh a a commodore, well
they might you know, well, well if they did, I
I might have to go back to see again.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Darling.
Speaker 5 (06:21):
We've been married six whole months, a wonderful half year.
Speaker 4 (06:26):
I've had that much of happiness with you, And whatever happens,
you'll come back to me.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
I know you will, of course I will, Oh, Barbara, Barbara,
I sway, you're a woman in ten possss. It was
(06:53):
you know, in all my life I'd said no truer
word than that I'd told myself as we.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
Drove up to London. We made excellent time.
Speaker 1 (07:01):
Brown knew his business with horses. I never understood the
peculiar beasts. The Brown was good at everything, best Captain's
Coxon and the navy, and now the perfect lands, and
still rather thought he mightn't mind going back to sea again.
There was a queer look in his eye, especially when
we drew up before the Admiralty in Whitehall and I
(07:22):
was ushered into the first lord.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Sit down, Sit down.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
Captain Ratio, well, well left you and you found domestic
miss behind eh.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
When he received our letter, Well may I ask what
it does you have in mind for Meissa? Of course
you may the Baltic Horatio. The Baltic is Russia coming
into the warm and who knows?
Speaker 1 (07:41):
I wish I did had very questions at the heart
of this whole project. Our letter did say it in
it that you take rank of commodore as with a
captain under you, you have six ships, and none such
seventy four a ship of four nonsense, I know, how welter.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
Both the Russian Czar.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
And Prince Bernadot a swe even have Peter Beck and
forth for much. From all I've heard, Bonnie is making
tempting offers to them both, and Bernard's the Frenchman.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
After all, is there really any chance that they might
join us with They might if we handle them.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Sensibly, they have as much fear as we now. Bonny
has gobbled up most of the continent. The dial be
carved any day, we think if we can show those
Baltic parts on Busish naval string the canton. I understand
that at any rate we've got to keep the Baltic
open for supplies. So much that we need here comes
by those sea labes.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Well, are you ready? Is it settleds? It's settled?
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Good?
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Now tell me who would you like for captain.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
Of the nun You I like her Bush, So if
he's available, I'd hate to go to see without Old
Bush and other thought you'd asked for him. The wooden
leg Ofise won't be a handicapped I think not. You
too have seen some things together, haven't you, Hirst smits
young lieutenants on the Old and nine.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Well, then Bush it shall be. Now, then let's walk
across and see the fine set. He sure to have
some secret orders for you. Time had come to say
goodbye to Barbara.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
She'd hold with me from small Bridge to deal jetted,
and I'm such from the five others of my pretty
new squadron lay far offshore, half lost in morning list.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Brown was looking much too pleased.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
I had to take him down a little. I stopped
moaning at those mastheads. Brown go hire like a man
to take us out step live dinner. Yes, captain commodole
that it winds veering norried a little west by north.
Speaker 4 (09:37):
I think, yes, dear, so you remarked as we were driving.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
I beg your pardon. You were telling me about my shirts,
I interrupted, No, I'd finished with the shirts.
Speaker 4 (09:46):
What I was saying was that.
Speaker 5 (09:48):
All your cold weather things are in the flaxia chest,
the sheepskin coat, and heavy socks and mittens.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
And oh well, Brown understands he.
Speaker 4 (09:59):
Also hasn't his care a certain little package a surprise
survide that, after all, I wouldn't.
Speaker 5 (10:05):
Try to surprise you, would It's just a woollan next
scarf I'd be knitting for you, And it's likely to
be cold up in the Baltic even now.
Speaker 2 (10:12):
Yeah. I don't like cold.
Speaker 4 (10:15):
I hope, I do, hope so much that you'll be
back before the winter, So do I.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
Mm hmmm, I think of Nick Barbara.
Speaker 4 (10:25):
I need you ask that you'll like me. Everything?
Speaker 2 (10:28):
Mm everything makes you deep cold of course. Goodbye, Ma, goodbye.
Speaker 4 (10:40):
Come back to me, Come back to me.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
It touched me if you had said it. Come back
to me.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
I can even witness white of any common seaming, if
by some power of my own I could control French
cannon shot.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
But it made me not a little.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
More, and made my heartache too, that she should say
such foolish things.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
For all her pride and elegance.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
A little lugger pitched and rolled along tip all alone
after my ship.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
I could have let her come along. It would have
done no harm.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
They had seen me from the nuns, such as we
can tossing up the wind, and laid into the big two.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Deckers leaf I out. Then Bush's captain.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
Had termed the whole crew. I would pull dress, and
I was piped aboard with all the honors of a commodore.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
Ship. With every man a board was in.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
A state of polish, bright glasswork, thick side boys in
white gloves, the whole marine guard and their band, the
double lane of Bosn's mates with pipes tryish displayed. Perhaps
some say it is it has it's wow exhilarations. Somehow
there was old Bush on the quarterdeck, surrounded by his officers,
(12:11):
all saluting stiffley. I had to check myself where I
might actually have been.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
That that would have been.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Ruinous discipline, So naturally I just stalked up the line
handed salution morning Captain Bush, Good morning, sir, Welcome aboard,
sometimes says we've met Kevin Bush. You will note that
your pennant's going up.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
Commodore's flagged. Didn't make your ship in the foot up.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Oh indeed, well, Captain Bush, we shall get on the
way at once if you don't mind.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
No time to lose. They're good enough to signore. The
others of the squadron eyes are very good.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
We sail on secret orders. I'll apprise you of their nature.
Captain Busher, who kindly dine with me this afternoon.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Oh see I am, I said, sir, Thank you.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Miss Adrims passed the word to our five other ships
on the way at once, and keep formation.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
I under the way, Ronzoll not butt right, See who's
scarring off to Stargetzer? May I find your glass? Is
it the sloops. No, no, no, no smelling Bush. No,
I was just trying to make out the jetty. My
wife's there. M mist hasn't quite clearly.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
Come on, oh, brand Captain Bush will be dining with
me here befure the things come up hot from the galley, when,
of course I've finished your unpacking. I trusted satisfactory, sir.
I placed the gift from Lady Barbara. They're on the
Barkat show.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
Yes, I saw it.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
Oh, it's a beautiful nicksculture, such poun and soft wool.
I was to remind you to wear it's a cold morning. Yes, yes, yes,
all right, I'll consider it. Come ah, Captain Bush, I'll
go and bring a dinner, well well.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Alone at last.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
Look, you know you had me grinning like some absurd
schoolboy up there this morning.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
I was so proud, so flattery that you'd ask for
me in the ratio.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
I scarcely I said that, I don't know becoming any minute.
I'm glad to see you, my old friend. Oh well,
let's get down to things are more important. Look, I've
been studying my so called secret daughters and these charts.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
We're headed for the Skagerak, my friend I was inclined
to think so.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
And through the Cattagat and up the marrows the Dames
will resist, I suppose, can't help themselves, Napoleons on their back.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
And what about the Swedes.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
That's just what no one seems to know. It's touch
and go apparently with both the Swedes and rush, and
we have to be prepared for anything. Catta Gat Sound
is only three miles wide. Part of the way Sweden.
The port Denmark is starbars real Skiller and Charybdis huh, well, Bush,
the powers that we have left decisions up to us,
and we are going to have to improvise. And once
(15:18):
we're off Gerta Borg, I I'm going to try and
pick up some fashion he was on Swedish doings. Let's
hope that Bernadotte is leaning our way by themselves, Bush.
If not, we will simply have to blast our way
in some half up through the North Sea into the Skagarack.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Scarcely a sail sighted off our bios. The whole first
week deserted waters. Even in the Skagarack off Denmark.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
Now and then we'd see a tiny fishing boat far off.
None withinhal We had no meanings. We strained our eyes
with some revealing sign. Had Bernardot made up his mind?
Speaker 2 (16:04):
By love? Were he and Russia enemies? Neutrals? Or even friends?
Speaker 1 (16:08):
If hadn't sensibility Before sunrise I found Bush on the quarterdeck.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
We still known rules? Are we to run the gauntlet?
Then we're nearing the hursting board? Narrow? And wonder Bush?
How many guns are on that Swedish shore?
Speaker 1 (16:26):
Multitude? So you may be sure the charts there are
a good dozen faults. Shouldn't we send the boat in, Sir?
Find out how sweden'stan the last night?
Speaker 2 (16:35):
I thought so, Bush, it has its logic.
Speaker 1 (16:36):
I admit on Aleander a boat which only advertise our presence, which, Sir,
if both sides of the carricats are hostile, we could
dash in the moment that is light enough to see
the channel, surprise them, and perhaps get through even if
Sweden does resist. Yes, but then if Sweden has joined Bonaparte,
won't we be bottled up inside the Baltic well? The
(16:59):
Baltic is a size the bull sea.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Bush, I suspect we could maintain ourselves the while.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
Yes, still almost an hour till dawn, and gives us
time to clear our decks. Yes, I think we'll go
in Bush. This morning, an hour had passed. We came
(17:27):
into the narrow channel just as the dawn broke in
a dull gray mist. The starboard hostile Denmark, the port
the riddle Sweden was sheer enemy.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
Well, we'd soon know at all events.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
Are the guns on our captain bushs and the fire
prompts manned on every ship is for it?
Speaker 6 (17:47):
Uh?
Speaker 1 (17:47):
What's signal poisting to our other ships? Are the signal
is proceed till low in battle order? Lotus shall lead,
Lotus still lead to the desired did.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
Can bring up the rear bush naturally? Face?
Speaker 1 (18:05):
I know, I know it's disappointing not to lead, but
we have a shepherd of this nipple flock. We're the
best built the lee hips might get through before those
shot gunners wake up.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
It's a wake already. Were sure fired that today they
seen us? Sir?
Speaker 1 (18:20):
Yes, there's a drift of smoke to starboard. Seems verys
firing to starboard coupon bush. Yes, mister Adam, so I
get it. By the way, I did you know that
those low cliffs are elsin or were hamlet wolf? I
beg your pardon here with no time now for literary
small talk. Have we signals the lotus? Mister Bush returned
the fire to starboard the Keeap exact station the stan
(18:42):
at the Harvey. If you please, I say lotus and
clamor getting back as because they're getting ah.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
They are Bush Bush. This channel's full of shoals. I
remember that from years ago.
Speaker 1 (18:59):
I remember, tu, sir, I put legmond in the chains.
They'll sing out from a reaching shallow water.
Speaker 2 (19:04):
Good.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
But the sloops and the three others don't flaw as
much as letting compliment your push have thought of everything well,
bron your next gorture, oh.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
Nonsense in the midst of an action. How dare you
come up here? It's very cold this early in the morning.
Begging your pardon, said I had my orders.
Speaker 1 (19:18):
You will get below round, all right, or I give
you the scar Yes, there is a bit chill elsin
or about. The channel widened as we were out of
range from shore in me about an hour I reckon
(19:41):
before we reached the further narrows, a longer gauntlet to
be run, and at its end two Danish islands sought
home and Amergan. We had to pass between these close
to both full daylight. Now they'd see us coming. We
can no longer profit by surprise. But anyhow, all hands
at breakfast relaxed and waited, as I knew for the
(20:02):
real test.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
An infernal din of guns broke out as we approached
the channel.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
Well, well, last starboard guns can speak together.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
After all well done. I wasn't too sure about that
little ragged so far the Swedish guns had all stayed silent,
and as if.
Speaker 1 (20:30):
To make up for that, though the day was going
and everything they had at it sought home and wider
waters seemed a very long way off.
Speaker 2 (20:38):
And I must have walking up and done. Now that
wouldn't do indifferences in the commodore. So I stood still
and looked about me casually. Why the.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
Sex Fathoms are quite unpart the worse for the tide making,
I think so, so I wouldn't care the brisk quests
and fires though a small fine.
Speaker 3 (21:01):
The Mark Sex put another lit one of the port
chains quick.
Speaker 2 (21:05):
The adults look bus thought.
Speaker 1 (21:06):
Home and AMaGA at last see them wearing up ahead
there bristling Ambiband.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Yes, smoke bursting from AMaGA already.
Speaker 1 (21:14):
This tells the story Sortom was going to keep the
powest toward why and saving a soul and c I hope.
Speaker 6 (21:26):
What a neighbors to the same poo? Why why and
hearing those souls too? Parmys quite help is he says?
He see damnable luck boh with be a longsider in
a moment.
Speaker 1 (21:45):
Back the wag tops and why the healing mine all
the way picking coming aboard the hort.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
There, Hey, I do thank him with the kill.
Speaker 2 (22:05):
We'll ring miss them on the board here, said mandan
Chorian captain.
Speaker 3 (22:08):
But what that religionize? More down.
Speaker 2 (22:18):
We hit two dromis and top massk.
Speaker 3 (22:20):
On by them.
Speaker 1 (22:21):
Bye, Hi the mad Bye, that's better. We've just been
bearing off the should Yeah, here's that one leaching.
Speaker 2 (22:32):
As much too easily solto.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
I don't like if there's a short range null a
where the lad Look here those two stores are there.
Speaker 2 (22:39):
Let's make a triple boat. You might lie just beyond
the highest part. It seems fairly lot to do.
Speaker 1 (22:43):
Why not? But sir, how do we know where to
hie eyes a fat man? Sir Adams has turbo batteries
raised sight, try for the hits beyond that thing went
fort say by by en yard by fifteen yards past
the word Adams incident.
Speaker 3 (23:02):
I'm a lad wire. Are you thinking yard right?
Speaker 2 (23:06):
What wild idea? I suppose we sid?
Speaker 1 (23:11):
They can't said ye until the hobby is in told
so much like duck hunting with the monst of the duty.
There's no good sid and I help, he's gonna trap
these comes, They'll think any minute, alas.
Speaker 2 (23:29):
Wid Let's try another selbush twenty yards beyond the horses.
Speaker 3 (23:32):
Time past the word Adams twenty yards twenty yard has
(23:54):
four things that blast?
Speaker 2 (23:57):
I think, why guess we've taken the fort with it?
Speaker 1 (24:01):
That thoughts as singularly silent.
Speaker 2 (24:06):
I you don't quite believe my eyes? Lucky guess in
place of sound ballistics? Eh, that makes no sense. Well,
yeah to business, I'm where's my company?
Speaker 3 (24:21):
You are lives secure? Let me get out of here.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
I was coming over now and sink you once down
first understand, well, sir, not a bad afternoon.
Speaker 2 (24:47):
Harvey is in tow. Lotus took one poor hit. We
have a horror to on our own shroud, but no
ships lock.
Speaker 7 (24:53):
I shan't forget what we did.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
Those powers tore them thought, Oh yes, that was the
satisfactory moment.
Speaker 2 (25:00):
I'm a bit tired Adams, Miss Adams.
Speaker 1 (25:04):
Has mister mand been brought up? Yes, he's he's off
unconscious now the sergeants with him.
Speaker 2 (25:09):
I want to see him concussions with a lot of pratulations.
Oh here you are, man, ssn't taking care of you
all right? Yes, thank you. We're taking below the sick
bed in a moment.
Speaker 1 (25:24):
I'm proud of.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
All my young officers to say, man, I'm not too
uncomfortable enough. Did all of us get rouser all our
ships that we did? What pleases me?
Speaker 1 (25:35):
Those Danish guns raked us with all they had, but
not one shell from Sweden's coast. They're not against us yet,
but anyway, he's shipping at the cold, is off, no
care but the scarf fround his neck control because I
don't need it.
Speaker 2 (25:48):
But he don't come on take it? Well, then I'll
do it myself.
Speaker 1 (25:55):
That better, man, Yes, wonderful, thank you. We held a
fishing bird two minutes ago.
Speaker 2 (26:00):
Man, And at these Blantur passed through the water guested.
Speaker 1 (26:04):
Him big fence corvette. So at least twenty guns. She
must be just ahead of it. Oh you have to
get well quickly, man, I don't want to miss the fun.
Speaker 7 (26:14):
William A ratio Hornblower starring Michael Redgrave, is based on
the novels by C. S. Foresters. Music composed and conducted
(26:38):
by Sydney Torch, produced by Harry Allen Towers.
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