The Wasp, 1918 · page 314 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 314: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains **narrative text only—no visible cartoon or satirical illustration**. It appears to be from a serialized story in *The Wasp* magazine (page 305), recounting a naval engagement. The text describes a confrontation between Admiral Benbow's British fleet and French forces (commanded by Admiral du Casse and Kirkby). The narrative centers on military tension: Kirkby's delayed arrival provokes the admiral's explosive anger; subsequent maneuvers involve signaling, tactical positioning, and pursuit across open water. **Historical context**: This likely references the real Battle of Española (1702), where English Admiral John Benbow pursued French ships. The story emphasizes naval hierarchy, discipline, and strategic maneuvering characteristic of period naval warfare literature. Without visible illustrations on this page, the satire or commentary remains unclear. The page may be primarily text-driven narrative rather than satirical cartoon content.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 305 Kirkby, of the Defiance, was the last to arrive. It was close upon noon when he came over the Breda’s side, and yet his ship lay not more than two miles away.. This was too much for the admiral’s temper, which exploded in a volley of abuse. The captains-returned to their commands with red faces and tingling ears. The two. fleets rolled idly in sight of each other all day. During the night a little wind awoke for an hour or two, and the admiral signalled with great lanterns for his ships to close up on him and advance in column; but the wind fell before much was accomplished in the way of closing up on the flag-ship. Morning showed the French ships as far away as on the previous day, but not so widely scattered upon the blue. A light wind sprang up, and Admiral Benbow flew the signal to advance. The other ships drew in. The French fleet moved toward the east for several hours, then swung northward straight away from the coast. Benbow shifted his course to cut the enemy off from the open sea and signalled his a to follow him. On tke morning of the 21st Admiral Benbow beheld the fleet of Admiral du Casse in line across - his bows and the French flag-ship almost within comichooks.com