June 27, 2025 • 21 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.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hold all hands back the quarters.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
I'm not forgot stand by this table battery one broadside.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
In't worry to please Captain Bush.
Speaker 4 (00:17):
Find us on pocket didn't stop ready?
Speaker 5 (00:21):
I pressing Michael Redgrave see as foresters Indomino, Mama pa
Sea Oracio hornblower.
Speaker 4 (01:38):
Ming along any.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
The night lagoon on the coast of Poland known as
the Fishers half we'd made happen with Bonaparte's communications, and
this had I hoped, delayed French preparations were a possible
assault on Russia, and yet we still lacked news as
to what Russia herself intended.
Speaker 1 (02:16):
Would she finally resists.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
Napoleon come openly into the wall as our.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Ally, or would she played for time and try to
appease him as she had done before. I had my
old friend Captain Bush to dinner in my cabin on
the non such because I knew he liked sea pie,
and my man Brown had prepared one for me with
special care, And then regretsively, I couldn't talk of anything
but my impatience. Well, there must be sudden news, after all,
(02:44):
why don't we hear?
Speaker 1 (02:45):
I simply can't understand it, but we will, we will.
It's scarcely a month fewer since we left Russia. A month.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
If I'd known it would be that long a thing
I'd have let which would keep the cutter clam at
cronstat excellent, sea pie Si excellent.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
You see, Bush, it's it's.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
What is the first I I ever it aboard the
old renowned Remember m bound prepared to himself. It's top
trying to distract me, will you, Bush? It isn't clever.
I tell you this.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
If we're to sit here in the Baltic puddling our thumbs,
we'll have to organize something to keep the men's minds busy.
A hornpipe competition, whoa even theatricals?
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Perhaps theatricals. You can't be seriously well, why not? This
lack of action is extremely bad for morale, Bush.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
And m's wrong with theatricals anyway, don't forget you. You
were young yourself once you know I.
Speaker 1 (03:37):
Can remember when yes, come in, Ah, well, mister jar
inside the window, sir, No, yes, sir. At least at
least mister has told me to report us this way.
Joe Janad, your news is excellent. How far off is she?
So we're running down to her and and let me
(03:57):
see her clam signal. Have dispatches for Commodore's are you sure? Oh, yes, sir, at.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
Least that's what I wore, right, all right, don't stammer.
Always make sure you know your own mind, mister Jerard.
Now tell mister Hurst to make commodaughter Graham send dispatches
on board as soon as practicable, and well bring the
dispatches here immediately they come on board. All understood, mister.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Gerard, Yes, sir, I mean hi, sir. Stop goring up yourself, sir, No,
I shall sit right down again and have some more
sea by help yourself. Help yourself. Why I am not
going to run up there and stand going over the
side like some midshipment Hy must be feeling some suspense
(04:47):
about Russia back home these days, no more.
Speaker 3 (04:49):
Than in his cabin at the moment, Bosh.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
If Bonaparte's main strength could be tied up here in
the east this summer, give willings and the chance to
strike hard.
Speaker 3 (04:58):
In the south, it's a great opportunity.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Pans are lost.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Oh we'll know soon enough, now, I won't we Bush
stop worrying, after all, Sir Alexander did send that still
reply to Bernie's demands leaf. That's what Lord Witchwood said
the day with that prompstead. You tell me so yourself.
Stiff reply one day may mean soft words, the next
is Alexander hopelessly unpredictable.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
These Russians come in.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
Well, mister Jeri, watch the latest witch Wood. But by
all them you came yourself, did you?
Speaker 1 (05:33):
I did? Indeed, Ti ratio by your ship cam and
wait till you have the news. You will agree my
paper was warranty. Come on, we're Captain Bush quite like
old times of more than I said, which would, which
would don't keep us waiting for your news, commodore. It's
war war, it's settled in, no more procrastination. We are
(05:53):
no longer alone, Warbler. Awaken your power through this dispatch case.
Ten days ago Bonaparte crossed, and even with fifteen army
car he's committed to invasion. Now he can't turn back
invasion and can rustle hold out, which would I wish
I knew. But at least in every summer's work cut
out for him, which means that we can push your
(06:15):
head in space. Well, good news, it's the finest news
I've heard.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
In years, which would sit down sit down here. Yeah,
give me that dispatch case, and Andre Cloak have some
have some wine. Ha ha.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
Yours is a welcome Facebook Bush.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
You will forget the theatricals now we can get on
with the war, which would of course had much to
(06:51):
tell that afternoon. But I must say, for once the
man made a highly satisfactory listening. Then there was a
dispatch addressed to me by Lord Cathcart, which is ambassador
in Russia.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
H feel polite formalitism, then.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Ah ah, listen to this bush. You will of course
render all the assistance in your power to our new
ally Russia. The main body of Bonaparte's army is already
marching on Moscow, but I am informed that some sixty
thousand men under the Duke of Tarentum are now on
the northern route to Saint Petersburg. Russian Imperial start agent.
(07:31):
It requires your squadron's assistance at Riga, which of course
the French must capture before they can move on towards Petersburg.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
Riga, there's a fine harbor there, sir. This city is
only a short distance up the river from the Gold.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Yes, I know, bo, Yes, the Ambassador's tone is urgent
to say the least, which wouldn't with reason commodore.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Frankly, there's a panic at the Russian court, and Riga
is a vital spot as well as vulnerable.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Cat cut goes on to Usk that I detached the
cutter clam dispatch her back to England with the news
I don't like losing her.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Oh well, we mustn't have that.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Well, no doubt you wish to go with her lord,
which would oh naturally, when duty calls, and all that
you know home, I must ask you to wait while
I complete my own dispatches for the Admiralty, and and yes,
a Greek letter to my wife. They won't take long,
of course, Captain Bush, I suggest to tell the man
that this is their chance to write home too. Oh
and one other thing, which would I shall send my secretary,
(08:25):
mister Sorka back to England in your charge, to be
tried by court martial. I'll give you all the papers
relating to.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
His Casey, we'll come at all I envy you, you know,
which would oh.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Yes, a glimpse of England at this time.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
Heaven alone knows when the rest of us will see
it northern summer day by day as we bore on.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
The glassy sun blazed hotter the pieces womos died nearly enough.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
Wind stirred to carry us even with all.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Our canvas set.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
It was a full eight days before we finally crept
into the Bay of Vega. A night was falling as
I stared out through my glass at this new shawl.
That's no man's lamb between the two forces.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
I imagine. Well, if the Russians weren't still holding the village,
there'll be no fires.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Our puzzle so far solved at all against for them, Sir,
two fathoms.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
I like there ups a very good carry on. Oh well,
the moon's rising, old.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Hand on the poor pass.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
He's pulling off. You have to catch that boat if
we can. Man My eyes up start at two points
far away. The gate don't shut.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
Perhaps they haven't seen us yet, right, Bat's crew stand by,
whoever they are.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
Man, they've not much skill.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
They should have headed for shoal water ors against sail
within no races. We need prisoners for information. I'm hoping
that boat holds the proper answers.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Whoy there boats evils, Yes, a pistol. I don't suppose
I need to shoot again. I wonder if those fellows
have rather a noise you like? For our first position,
we got excellence the franchisa.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
We got them all, two officers, three names.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
As the five prisoners were thrust up over the Harvey's side,
I saw the star of the Legion of Honor glittering
on the chest of one young officer.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
He would be their leader, I concluded, I would like.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
To know Monsieur's name. And Frank, you see shoot the baton?
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Do you need the compe major of engineers a good catchman?
Speaker 1 (10:58):
You understand the melish I gathered? Are we humper?
Speaker 2 (11:02):
My mind was busy with the problem of I could
induce him to supply me with some facts that I
sorely needed.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
And I had an idea.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
I much forget the necessity of taking your prisoners own,
especially at the.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
Start and so a promising campaign. But possibly I can
arrange in exchange at an early day. Ah, in case
mischeur has friends with whom he might like me to communicate,
I shall do so at my first opportunity.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Shall me? Don't you got time to it would be
very glaly you I am on nicky stuff?
Speaker 2 (11:33):
Well, commander in chief stuff, then you must be you
must be chief engineer.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
Yes, you are important. Oh that's too bad. After all,
you had no reason to suspect a British squadron in
this way. We had been told to the contacty that
these Russian villages up block it. They've been supplying you
with information. Then, Oh, well, all Russians are quite useless,
(11:59):
are they not?
Speaker 2 (12:00):
I suppose your emperor has met with very little opposition
from the Russians.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
Oh, we have taken small lynch, and the Emperor himself
matches on Muscow. Empowered divisions will who occupy sent peters.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
Indeed, but possibly the Duena River may become an obstacle.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Riaga too stands in your path, not for long. Just
one boat push across the river a month and the
Russians will dissolve the moment we have turned their flats.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
So that's what he'd been up to when we nabbed him,
reconnoitering for a good place to land French forces across
the mouth of the Duinos. A daring move, sir, worthy
of all the great traditions of the French Army. Of course,
you have to cross the river before your operations can proceed.
No doubt you have sufficient landing graph for your forces.
Problems like that to do? Not told us, missie, we
(12:50):
have barjesy star of the seas that meet thou before
these stupid of Russians could just rid. Indeed, but of
course the Russians still hold both sides of the river.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
Well, they all do to our side, the western side
by nursing but their fingernails. However, why but do not
think me fool enough to reveal military informations.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Up No chance of wheedling anything more from the cocky
young major for the present. But at least I'd learned
about those captured barges and that they planned an attack
soon directly across the river's mouth. Oh, Russians are always incompetent,
isn't it so major? A prompt assault on your parties?
Of course, it's a clever plan, allowing them no chance
of digging in. But you'll pan Mena said, if I
(13:38):
attend to my duties.
Speaker 1 (13:40):
We'll return to the squadron. Mister Banderud, please.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Under that tidy bit of information. I slept better than
i'd hoped that night in an alien harbor.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
No doubt the.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Russians here, Adriga, were all confirmed land lovers but I
could be counted on.
Speaker 3 (13:57):
I felt to cope with this type of problem.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
It was even gratified, in fact, that the French were
not discounting good sea water in their plans.
Speaker 3 (14:05):
The next morning, in my cabin I had a conference
with all six captains of my squadrons.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
It's quite clear, then, gentlemen, the Russians still hold both
river banks, the western one. Precariously.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
The French must cross that river with letters around Rica.
When they try it, we shall beg as many barges
as we can.
Speaker 4 (14:26):
We will.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
We will carry out the patrol eye outlined each evening
at sundial.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
The French will scarcely attempt at a bare face plan
by daylight. Are there any questions, you said?
Speaker 2 (14:38):
I think sure that my sloop Ray one would hold
one into thee like correct, miesster goal. You'll anchor each
night on the very edge of the shoals to western
the French side. It's your light draft that dictates that position.
Mister Vickery and lotus guard the other river bank. The
rest of us holds stations in between, and armed small
boats will row guard at the mouth. Your stations understood,
(15:01):
and that will be all for the moment gentlemen, Oh,
one last word is Captain Cole spoke of our defense line.
Yet it's not so much a defense as a trap.
Let them thrust their heads well into the noose before
any alarm is given, Otherwise we'll simply scare them off.
Speaker 3 (15:19):
Very well, gentlemen, thank you for your attendants.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
At dusk, my gig conveyed me up the yellow Duena River,
passed the vilited the mouth of the bustling.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
Waves of Riga, where the governor met me amid a
crowd of other dignitaries.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
By their demeanor, you would never guess they lived in
a besieged city. Mike Cox and Brown was in charge
of my boat screw and I told him to wait
there for my return. But I soon realized it would
be difficult to have a private talk with General Lesno.
Speaker 6 (16:03):
Come, ador, May I present the Intentanta Plivonia, Count Canner
and the Countess. They two are recently arrived Triga.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
Hi, Yes, I know the countess. We we met at
the Tsar's court. Time another Russian dinner, commodore, Do you
feel you are equals with this time?
Speaker 2 (16:24):
Well, I'm learning, Countess. At least I shan't give my
whole attention to.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
The to the order come off for sir? Is that you?
What's that? Racket? Must be faint parties. I had the river, sir,
and our patrols resisting. Is our gigs threw at the
wharf ready, I'm waiting for you? Come on, men, what
(16:48):
are we waiting for? That you call? Alongside these at
an eventful night?
Speaker 7 (17:01):
But their barges didn't get across her. Most of them
put back, put back. What caused them to are was
the one set up the alarm rocket set just as
you fan get all hands full in the small boats pull.
Speaker 1 (17:12):
From the river.
Speaker 7 (17:13):
Here the freak, mister Cole, You sent up that rocket
the moment you saw them?
Speaker 1 (17:17):
Why, yes, certainly coal. Oh oh well it it's too
late now, and I don't know what boats long and
yours bring all alongside the comadre men.
Speaker 7 (17:39):
I thought I saw you, sir.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
Things aren't as bad as they might be. All that
to mister Cole. We backed five barges on our side, sir,
cut them off before they could get back to their
own shore. Five that's more like it. How many prisoners
we were? I should send any one thousands rather than
two hundred frenchmen to a barge. The rest turned back
at the alarm.
Speaker 3 (18:13):
I couldn't help but feel some disappointment.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
I'd hope for a catch of at least a dozen barges,
perhaps twenty five hundred men, And yet it was.
Speaker 1 (18:22):
My own fault too.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
Who else placed coal in his key position at all events?
Thanks to young Vickory, we'd headed off the crossing for
that night, strange people Russians. That interminable ballet was still
going on.
Speaker 3 (18:36):
As I entered the operas. May I speak to you, please?
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Oh see you come outside the box a moment, please, Commando,
where have you been? The parlet has been duke, the
levels a slight distractions the natives job.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
Of course, I regret I had to leave without advising you.
The French were attempting to cross the river. I've been
badges and we managed.
Speaker 6 (19:12):
How can we thank you, an officer. You have struck
a villion blow for Mother Russia.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
Thank you, General.
Speaker 2 (19:19):
I feel I ought to warn you there. They're sure
to try this plan again, and if they do we'll.
Speaker 6 (19:24):
Of course, of course, we must.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Talk of all these.
Speaker 6 (19:28):
But now you must come back into the box.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
You means so much of these Gala nightles, sir, look
it's it's late, you know, and I insist. The ballet
has been so beautiful. Thank you, oh you first General.
No doubt the walk can wait another evening ratio. Hornblower,
(20:08):
starring Michael Redgrave, is based on the novels by C. S.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
Forester.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Music composed and conducted by Sydney Torn, produced by Harry
Allen Towers
Hold all hands back the quarters.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
I'm not forgot stand by this table battery one broadside.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
In't worry to please Captain Bush.
Speaker 4 (00:17):
Find us on pocket didn't stop ready?
Speaker 5 (00:21):
I pressing Michael Redgrave see as foresters Indomino, Mama pa
Sea Oracio hornblower.
Speaker 4 (01:38):
Ming along any.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
The night lagoon on the coast of Poland known as
the Fishers half we'd made happen with Bonaparte's communications, and
this had I hoped, delayed French preparations were a possible
assault on Russia, and yet we still lacked news as
to what Russia herself intended.
Speaker 1 (02:16):
Would she finally resists.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
Napoleon come openly into the wall as our.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Ally, or would she played for time and try to
appease him as she had done before. I had my
old friend Captain Bush to dinner in my cabin on
the non such because I knew he liked sea pie,
and my man Brown had prepared one for me with
special care, And then regretsively, I couldn't talk of anything
but my impatience. Well, there must be sudden news, after all,
(02:44):
why don't we hear?
Speaker 1 (02:45):
I simply can't understand it, but we will, we will.
It's scarcely a month fewer since we left Russia. A month.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
If I'd known it would be that long a thing
I'd have let which would keep the cutter clam at
cronstat excellent, sea pie Si excellent.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
You see, Bush, it's it's.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
What is the first I I ever it aboard the
old renowned Remember m bound prepared to himself. It's top
trying to distract me, will you, Bush? It isn't clever.
I tell you this.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
If we're to sit here in the Baltic puddling our thumbs,
we'll have to organize something to keep the men's minds busy.
A hornpipe competition, whoa even theatricals?
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Perhaps theatricals. You can't be seriously well, why not? This
lack of action is extremely bad for morale, Bush.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
And m's wrong with theatricals anyway, don't forget you. You
were young yourself once you know I.
Speaker 1 (03:37):
Can remember when yes, come in, Ah, well, mister jar
inside the window, sir, No, yes, sir. At least at
least mister has told me to report us this way.
Joe Janad, your news is excellent. How far off is she?
So we're running down to her and and let me
(03:57):
see her clam signal. Have dispatches for Commodore's are you sure? Oh, yes, sir, at.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
Least that's what I wore, right, all right, don't stammer.
Always make sure you know your own mind, mister Jerard.
Now tell mister Hurst to make commodaughter Graham send dispatches
on board as soon as practicable, and well bring the
dispatches here immediately they come on board. All understood, mister.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Gerard, Yes, sir, I mean hi, sir. Stop goring up yourself, sir, No,
I shall sit right down again and have some more
sea by help yourself. Help yourself. Why I am not
going to run up there and stand going over the
side like some midshipment Hy must be feeling some suspense
(04:47):
about Russia back home these days, no more.
Speaker 3 (04:49):
Than in his cabin at the moment, Bosh.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
If Bonaparte's main strength could be tied up here in
the east this summer, give willings and the chance to
strike hard.
Speaker 3 (04:58):
In the south, it's a great opportunity.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Pans are lost.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Oh we'll know soon enough, now, I won't we Bush
stop worrying, after all, Sir Alexander did send that still
reply to Bernie's demands leaf. That's what Lord Witchwood said
the day with that prompstead. You tell me so yourself.
Stiff reply one day may mean soft words, the next
is Alexander hopelessly unpredictable.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
These Russians come in.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
Well, mister Jeri, watch the latest witch Wood. But by
all them you came yourself, did you?
Speaker 1 (05:33):
I did? Indeed, Ti ratio by your ship cam and
wait till you have the news. You will agree my
paper was warranty. Come on, we're Captain Bush quite like
old times of more than I said, which would, which
would don't keep us waiting for your news, commodore. It's
war war, it's settled in, no more procrastination. We are
(05:53):
no longer alone, Warbler. Awaken your power through this dispatch case.
Ten days ago Bonaparte crossed, and even with fifteen army
car he's committed to invasion. Now he can't turn back
invasion and can rustle hold out, which would I wish
I knew. But at least in every summer's work cut
out for him, which means that we can push your
(06:15):
head in space. Well, good news, it's the finest news
I've heard.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
In years, which would sit down sit down here. Yeah,
give me that dispatch case, and Andre Cloak have some
have some wine. Ha ha.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
Yours is a welcome Facebook Bush.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
You will forget the theatricals now we can get on
with the war, which would of course had much to
(06:51):
tell that afternoon. But I must say, for once the
man made a highly satisfactory listening. Then there was a
dispatch addressed to me by Lord Cathcart, which is ambassador
in Russia.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
H feel polite formalitism, then.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Ah ah, listen to this bush. You will of course
render all the assistance in your power to our new
ally Russia. The main body of Bonaparte's army is already
marching on Moscow, but I am informed that some sixty
thousand men under the Duke of Tarentum are now on
the northern route to Saint Petersburg. Russian Imperial start agent.
(07:31):
It requires your squadron's assistance at Riga, which of course
the French must capture before they can move on towards Petersburg.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
Riga, there's a fine harbor there, sir. This city is
only a short distance up the river from the Gold.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Yes, I know, bo, Yes, the Ambassador's tone is urgent
to say the least, which wouldn't with reason commodore.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Frankly, there's a panic at the Russian court, and Riga
is a vital spot as well as vulnerable.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Cat cut goes on to Usk that I detached the
cutter clam dispatch her back to England with the news
I don't like losing her.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Oh well, we mustn't have that.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Well, no doubt you wish to go with her lord,
which would oh naturally, when duty calls, and all that
you know home, I must ask you to wait while
I complete my own dispatches for the Admiralty, and and yes,
a Greek letter to my wife. They won't take long,
of course, Captain Bush, I suggest to tell the man
that this is their chance to write home too. Oh
and one other thing, which would I shall send my secretary,
(08:25):
mister Sorka back to England in your charge, to be
tried by court martial. I'll give you all the papers
relating to.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
His Casey, we'll come at all I envy you, you know,
which would oh.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Yes, a glimpse of England at this time.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
Heaven alone knows when the rest of us will see
it northern summer day by day as we bore on.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
The glassy sun blazed hotter the pieces womos died nearly enough.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
Wind stirred to carry us even with all.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Our canvas set.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
It was a full eight days before we finally crept
into the Bay of Vega. A night was falling as
I stared out through my glass at this new shawl.
That's no man's lamb between the two forces.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
I imagine. Well, if the Russians weren't still holding the village,
there'll be no fires.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Our puzzle so far solved at all against for them, Sir,
two fathoms.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
I like there ups a very good carry on. Oh well,
the moon's rising, old.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Hand on the poor pass.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
He's pulling off. You have to catch that boat if
we can. Man My eyes up start at two points
far away. The gate don't shut.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
Perhaps they haven't seen us yet, right, Bat's crew stand by,
whoever they are.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
Man, they've not much skill.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
They should have headed for shoal water ors against sail
within no races. We need prisoners for information. I'm hoping
that boat holds the proper answers.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Whoy there boats evils, Yes, a pistol. I don't suppose
I need to shoot again. I wonder if those fellows
have rather a noise you like? For our first position,
we got excellence the franchisa.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
We got them all, two officers, three names.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
As the five prisoners were thrust up over the Harvey's side,
I saw the star of the Legion of Honor glittering
on the chest of one young officer.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
He would be their leader, I concluded, I would like.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
To know Monsieur's name. And Frank, you see shoot the baton?
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Do you need the compe major of engineers a good catchman?
Speaker 1 (10:58):
You understand the melish I gathered? Are we humper?
Speaker 2 (11:02):
My mind was busy with the problem of I could
induce him to supply me with some facts that I
sorely needed.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
And I had an idea.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
I much forget the necessity of taking your prisoners own,
especially at the.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
Start and so a promising campaign. But possibly I can
arrange in exchange at an early day. Ah, in case
mischeur has friends with whom he might like me to communicate,
I shall do so at my first opportunity.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Shall me? Don't you got time to it would be
very glaly you I am on nicky stuff?
Speaker 2 (11:33):
Well, commander in chief stuff, then you must be you
must be chief engineer.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
Yes, you are important. Oh that's too bad. After all,
you had no reason to suspect a British squadron in
this way. We had been told to the contacty that
these Russian villages up block it. They've been supplying you
with information. Then, Oh, well, all Russians are quite useless,
(11:59):
are they not?
Speaker 2 (12:00):
I suppose your emperor has met with very little opposition
from the Russians.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
Oh, we have taken small lynch, and the Emperor himself
matches on Muscow. Empowered divisions will who occupy sent peters.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
Indeed, but possibly the Duena River may become an obstacle.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Riaga too stands in your path, not for long. Just
one boat push across the river a month and the
Russians will dissolve the moment we have turned their flats.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
So that's what he'd been up to when we nabbed him,
reconnoitering for a good place to land French forces across
the mouth of the Duinos. A daring move, sir, worthy
of all the great traditions of the French Army. Of course,
you have to cross the river before your operations can proceed.
No doubt you have sufficient landing graph for your forces.
Problems like that to do? Not told us, missie, we
(12:50):
have barjesy star of the seas that meet thou before
these stupid of Russians could just rid. Indeed, but of
course the Russians still hold both sides of the river.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
Well, they all do to our side, the western side
by nursing but their fingernails. However, why but do not
think me fool enough to reveal military informations.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Up No chance of wheedling anything more from the cocky
young major for the present. But at least I'd learned
about those captured barges and that they planned an attack
soon directly across the river's mouth. Oh, Russians are always incompetent,
isn't it so major? A prompt assault on your parties?
Of course, it's a clever plan, allowing them no chance
of digging in. But you'll pan Mena said, if I
(13:38):
attend to my duties.
Speaker 1 (13:40):
We'll return to the squadron. Mister Banderud, please.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Under that tidy bit of information. I slept better than
i'd hoped that night in an alien harbor.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
No doubt the.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Russians here, Adriga, were all confirmed land lovers but I
could be counted on.
Speaker 3 (13:57):
I felt to cope with this type of problem.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
It was even gratified, in fact, that the French were
not discounting good sea water in their plans.
Speaker 3 (14:05):
The next morning, in my cabin I had a conference
with all six captains of my squadrons.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
It's quite clear, then, gentlemen, the Russians still hold both
river banks, the western one. Precariously.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
The French must cross that river with letters around Rica.
When they try it, we shall beg as many barges
as we can.
Speaker 4 (14:26):
We will.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
We will carry out the patrol eye outlined each evening
at sundial.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
The French will scarcely attempt at a bare face plan
by daylight. Are there any questions, you said?
Speaker 2 (14:38):
I think sure that my sloop Ray one would hold
one into thee like correct, miesster goal. You'll anchor each
night on the very edge of the shoals to western
the French side. It's your light draft that dictates that position.
Mister Vickery and lotus guard the other river bank. The
rest of us holds stations in between, and armed small
boats will row guard at the mouth. Your stations understood,
(15:01):
and that will be all for the moment gentlemen, Oh,
one last word is Captain Cole spoke of our defense line.
Yet it's not so much a defense as a trap.
Let them thrust their heads well into the noose before
any alarm is given, Otherwise we'll simply scare them off.
Speaker 3 (15:19):
Very well, gentlemen, thank you for your attendants.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
At dusk, my gig conveyed me up the yellow Duena River,
passed the vilited the mouth of the bustling.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
Waves of Riga, where the governor met me amid a
crowd of other dignitaries.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
By their demeanor, you would never guess they lived in
a besieged city. Mike Cox and Brown was in charge
of my boat screw and I told him to wait
there for my return. But I soon realized it would
be difficult to have a private talk with General Lesno.
Speaker 6 (16:03):
Come, ador, May I present the Intentanta Plivonia, Count Canner
and the Countess. They two are recently arrived Triga.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
Hi, Yes, I know the countess. We we met at
the Tsar's court. Time another Russian dinner, commodore, Do you
feel you are equals with this time?
Speaker 2 (16:24):
Well, I'm learning, Countess. At least I shan't give my
whole attention to.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
The to the order come off for sir? Is that you?
What's that? Racket? Must be faint parties. I had the river, sir,
and our patrols resisting. Is our gigs threw at the
wharf ready, I'm waiting for you? Come on, men, what
(16:48):
are we waiting for? That you call? Alongside these at
an eventful night?
Speaker 7 (17:01):
But their barges didn't get across her. Most of them
put back, put back. What caused them to are was
the one set up the alarm rocket set just as
you fan get all hands full in the small boats pull.
Speaker 1 (17:12):
From the river.
Speaker 7 (17:13):
Here the freak, mister Cole, You sent up that rocket
the moment you saw them?
Speaker 1 (17:17):
Why, yes, certainly coal. Oh oh well it it's too
late now, and I don't know what boats long and
yours bring all alongside the comadre men.
Speaker 7 (17:39):
I thought I saw you, sir.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
Things aren't as bad as they might be. All that
to mister Cole. We backed five barges on our side, sir,
cut them off before they could get back to their
own shore. Five that's more like it. How many prisoners
we were? I should send any one thousands rather than
two hundred frenchmen to a barge. The rest turned back
at the alarm.
Speaker 3 (18:13):
I couldn't help but feel some disappointment.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
I'd hope for a catch of at least a dozen barges,
perhaps twenty five hundred men, And yet it was.
Speaker 1 (18:22):
My own fault too.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
Who else placed coal in his key position at all events?
Thanks to young Vickory, we'd headed off the crossing for
that night, strange people Russians. That interminable ballet was still
going on.
Speaker 3 (18:36):
As I entered the operas. May I speak to you, please?
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Oh see you come outside the box a moment, please, Commando,
where have you been? The parlet has been duke, the
levels a slight distractions the natives job.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
Of course, I regret I had to leave without advising you.
The French were attempting to cross the river. I've been
badges and we managed.
Speaker 6 (19:12):
How can we thank you, an officer. You have struck
a villion blow for Mother Russia.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
Thank you, General.
Speaker 2 (19:19):
I feel I ought to warn you there. They're sure
to try this plan again, and if they do we'll.
Speaker 6 (19:24):
Of course, of course, we must.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Talk of all these.
Speaker 6 (19:28):
But now you must come back into the box.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
You means so much of these Gala nightles, sir, look
it's it's late, you know, and I insist. The ballet
has been so beautiful. Thank you, oh you first General.
No doubt the walk can wait another evening ratio. Hornblower,
(20:08):
starring Michael Redgrave, is based on the novels by C. S.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
Forester.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Music composed and conducted by Sydney Torn, produced by Harry
Allen Towers
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!