GAME TURN EIGHT

Ian paced the small quarterdeck of the Willow for perhaps the last time, observing quietly the lowering of his belongings into the ship's boat which would take him over to the Watcher, where he would assume command. But
first, he must be relieved of his present command. And that meant waiting
for Lieutenant---now Commander Callaghan--to formally present himself and read
himself in.
Ian was dressed in his best uniform, his captain's epaulettes gleaming in the morning sunshine. He breathed deeply of the pleasant salt air, watching the rigging sway gently in the breeze with satisfaction. He was little more than a lame duck--albeit a dignified one, one who had reached the beatific rank of Captain in His Britannic Majesty's Navy at the astoundingly young age of 23--but a lame duck nonetheless. Clasping hands behind his back, he stood contentedly and awaited the coming ceremony of relief of command...

As the small boat which had carried him from the shore came alongside HMS Willow, James prepared to board. For the first time in his career he heard himself being piped aboard. He could see Captain West on the quarterdeck, so he quickly approached and saluted. In accordance with tradition, the entire ship's company was assembled. James took the envelope containing his Admiralty orders from his pocket. Facing the assembled ship's company, he began to read..... Having completed the formality of reading himself in, James turned once again to Captain West and saluted. "I must congratulate you Sir", he said, "On your well-deserved promotion."

Relieved of his present command, Ian could afford a bit of pleasantry. "And I on yours, sir," Ian smiled. He reached up and touched the brim of his hat to the Willow’s new commander. "May you always be so successful....Well, it wouldn't do to keep Captain Ponsonby-Smythe and Sir Harold waiting," he grinned. "Permission to leave the ship, sir?"
This was, of course, quickly granted, and Ian was piped over the side and into the Willow’s gig, was speedily put off for the Watcher, several hundred yards away. Ian's nervousness grew rapidly as the Watcher loomed larger and larger. Soon, he could see the lines of marines, and the white-gloved sideboys there along the rail, waiting for him. For him. His frigate. He grinned like a foolish schoolboy, fighting every urge to hum happily to
himself. After all, on this occasion, he would need that air of dignifed reserve even more than usual. Sir Harold himself would be on the Watcher, his soon-to-be command.

Commander James Callaghan was lost in his own thoughts for a moment.

After seeing Captain West leave the vessel, James stood still for a moment on his quarterdeck.
HIS quarterdeck! Then the enormity of his new responsibilities hit him! After a few seconds, he pulled himself together and addressed the waiting First Lieutenant. "Mr. Wallace", he said, "I trust you are fully prepared for your new responsibilities?" "Aye aye Sir" replied the newly appointed lieutenant."You may dismiss the watch below. All others to resume their given duties."
"I will be obliged if you would accompany me while I inspect the ship", he continued.
"Aye aye Sir" James left the quarterdeck, closely followed by his First Lieutenant, and commenced his tour of the ship. His sharp eyes took in every detail, - the condition of the rigging and the cleanliness of the decks. After which, he inspected the gun deck, the lower deck and galley. Even the midshipmen's berth came under his close scrutiny. During his whole tour of inspection he uttered not a word.When he had completed his inspection, he paused saying only "Thank you, Mr. Wallace. I'll be in my cabin if you need me.

Privately, he admitted to himself that Captain West had left the ship in excellent order.

Once in the privacy of his cabin, he put his mind to discovering a solution to the fact of being two Midshipmen short. He concluded that, if possible, he would avoid promoting anyone from the lower deck of Watcher. From a disciplinary point of view it would be far better to take two suitable young men from another ship, if no existing Midshipmen were available. With these thoughts in mind, he took his quill and carefully worded a letter to Captain Ponsonby-Smythe of the Buffonia.

Sir,

I find, having just assumed command of Willow, that I am short of two Midshipmen.

I therefore most respectfully ask if you have a Midshipman (or even two) who you would consider transfering to my command.

If not, I would be glad to accept suitable persons from your lower-deck should you be disposed to reccommend them.

I have the honour to be Sir,

your obedient servant,

James Callaghan, Commander,

HMS Willow

On receiving what amounted to a negative reply from Captain Ponsonby-Smythe in reply to his request for Midshipmen, or seamen suitable for promotion, James Callaghan took up his quill once again and penned the following note to Captain Giles of HMS Sunnydale

Sir,

Having just taken command of HMS Willow, I find myself without any Midshipmen. I have already approached Captain Ponsonby-Smythe who is unable to help.

I am reluctant to promote from Willow’s lower deck complement, as it could cause disciplinary problems to do so.

I therefore most respectfully enquire whether you, Sir, could possibly assist me in this matter?

My hope would be for two young gentlemen, but I would be happy to take suitable candidates from your lower-deck should you feel able to spare them,

I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant,

James Callaghan,

HMS Willow

James quickly sealed the note and ordered it to taken to the Sunnydale without delay.

Commander Callaghan

HMS Willow

Captain Giles

HMS Sunnydale

Sir,

I have sent two young gentlemen for your approval. As I have just recently assumed this command I know them more from the records and reputation. Than from first hand experience

Signals Midshipman Arthur Hanes two years service, fair marks in navigation, speaks fair Spanish

Junior Midshipman Henry Becker barely a years service exception mathematics abilty, and a crack shot with pistols

With my compliments

Rupert Giles

Captain RN

HMS Sunnydale

As soon as they had arrived on board, James interviewed the two Midshipmen that had been sent from Sunnydale He quckly realised his good fortune in aquiring two young gentlemen of such good calibre. Arthur Hanes would continue his duties as a Signals Midshipmen, while James decided that Henry Becker should be Gunnery Officer.

After welcoming them to Willow, he urged them both to work diligently towards the day when they would take a Leftenant's Examination. He warned them against undue familiarity with the men, and also not to allow familiarities from the men."Remember at all times to remember your position" he said sternly. "I will be arranging with Mr. Burke, the Sailing Master, for you each to receive four hours a week in instruction in Navigation and Seamanship", he added. As soon as the two Midshipmen had left his cabin, James took up his quill and penned a note of thanks to Captain Giles, and gave orders for its immediate delivery to Sunnydale.

Commander James Callaghan heaved a sigh of relief. With the arrival of the two new Midshipmen, Willow now had a full complement of watch-keeping officers. His First Lieutenant could now get down to ensuring that the crew was as efficient as a Navy ship should be.On Sunday morning, he had carried out the normal duties of a ship's captain. First of all, a short religious service, followed by a reading of the Articles of War.

After completing this duty and dismissing the assembled crew he held a brief meeting with all the ship's officers.On his enquiry, Mr Vico assured him that the ship was fully watered and victualed. The ship's surgeon had inspected the food and water and pronounced it all fit for human consumption. James appraised the Sailing master, Mr. Burke of his duties in respect of the instruction of the two new Midshipmen. Sergeant Morgan, although not a commissioned officer was also present in his capacity of being the senior ranking Royal Marine of the ship's company. On being questioned concerning his men's readiness for action, he was able to give a positive reply. Mr. Wallace, First Lieutenant, reported that he was fully satisfied with the condition and cleanliness of the ship, and that the morale of the men was high. Jame nodded approvingly "Thank you gentlemen", he said, indicating that the meeting was ended, "I think we can let the crew spend the rest of today in 'Make do and Mend'."

The following morning Sunnydale set sail for a shakedown cruize and Buffonia was sponsoring a squadron competion.

Sir,

I have the honour to submit the names of the participants who will represent HMS Willow in the forthcoming competitions.

1. Boxing: Seaman Jan Widdecombe.

This man was a professional prize fighter, well-known in the West Country. He was 'collected' by the Press Gang shortly after winning his 22nd Fight.

As my Master-at-Arms will verify, he has a very short temper and has been in trouble on more than one occasion for brawling. On the last occasion, he nearly killed three of his shipmates for laughing at his West Country accent!

2. Marksmanship: Midshipman Henry Becker.

Midshipman Becker has only recently joined Willow, but his reputation as a marksman flies before him and I have every confidence that he will aquit himself well.

3. Boat Race.

My boat crew are first class men who have rowed as a crew for a considerable time now, and I do not think that any ship has a better one.

4. Fencing.

For this event I have the honour to nominate myself, The art of Fencing has long been a pleasure to me, not for the purpose of fighting duels, as indeed I have never fought one, but for the exercise of skill. Also, as a King's Officer, I believe I have a duty to become as skillful as possible if only to save my own life in order to continue the Navy's work.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

James Callaghan,

Commander.

{OOC}

Boxing: 7 points.

Boat Race: 3 points

Marksmanship: 4 points

Fencing: 6 points

{IC}

Commander James Callaghan ordered his Coxswain to pass the word for his First Lieutenant. Less than two minutes later there was a knock at James' door and in return James responded with a single word "Come. "Lieutenant Fred Wallace entered, racking his brains to think of some way that he might have displeased James.

"Ah, Mr. Wallace", said James, "It looks as if the Squadron will be putting to sea, soon. I trust the ship is ready?" "Aye, aye, Sir" was the immediate reply.

"Good", James rejoined, "I want you to take the gig and report to the Flag Lieutenant on the Sunnydale. He will give you the charts necessary for the mission we are about to commence.

"Aye, aye, Sir" replied the Lieutenant, turning to leave the cabin.

On reaching the deck, he ordered Midshipman Becker to call away the gig's crew.

A few minutes before dawn, Commander James Callaghan came up from his cabin. On the quarterdeck, Lieutenant Fred Wallace had the watch, and Signals Midshipman Arthur Hanes was also there.

"See that the lookout keeps his eyes open for any signal from Watcher", said James, " I don't want any criticism from Captain West".

Five minutes later, a shout from aloft "Watcher's signalling , Sir".

Arthur Hanes raised his telescope towards Watcher. "Message reads 'Weigh anchor' Sir, he said.

"Acknowledge, Mt. Hanes" snapped James, "Mr Wallace, set all plain sail. I'll give you a course after we've left the harbour"

During the course of the voyage to Baltimore, James planned to worked his crew hard. There would be gunnery practice every day. The time taken to clear the ship for action, and run out the guns was to get down to a very satisfactory level. The decks were holystoned so white they dazzled the eyes. James gave his First Lieutenant control of the ship, as he wanted to see how he performed in command. The two Midshipmen were also subjected to his close scrutiny, and he found himself quite pleased with the abilities of the youngsters who had been sent to him from the Sunnydale.