
audiobook
by H. Taprell (Henry Taprell) Dorling
[](https://www.gutenberg.org/images/cover.jpg)
PREFACE
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
SEA, SPRAY AND SPINDRIFT - I TUBBY’S DHOW - I
II THE STRANDING OF THE HOI-HAU - I
THE GUNNER’S LUCK
IV HORATIO NELSON CHIVERS - I
THE SALVAGE OF THE CASHMERE
THE INNER PATROL
VII THE GUN-RUNNERS - I
A lively assortment of short naval tales captures the restless energy of life aboard early‑twentieth‑century warships. From the sweltering decks of a cruiser in the Arabian Gulf to the cramped gunroom where a rotund midshipman named Tubby debates Arabic lessons, each story mixes humor, camaraderie and the ever‑present danger of the sea. The characters—bright‑eyed officers, sharp‑tongued sub‑lieutenants and curious locals—are drawn with a playful affection that makes their trials feel immediate and relatable.
The collection also ventures beyond the ordinary, exploring mishaps like stranded vessels, daring salvage missions and tense encounters with hidden torpedoes. The vivid illustrations accompany the narrative, giving listeners a visual sense of roaring surf, billowing smoke and the cramped interiors of naval life. Together, these sketches offer an engaging glimpse into the bravery, boredom and brotherhood that define service on the high seas, inviting listeners to share in the adventure of every tide‑turned moment.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (215K characters)
Release date
2025-11-18
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1883–1968
Drawn from a life at sea, these books carry the feel of someone who knew the Royal Navy from the inside. Writing as “Taffrail,” he turned naval experience into stories and nonfiction that readers have kept returning to for decades.
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