The Wasp, 1918 · page 318 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 318: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains serialized fiction rather than a political cartoon. It depicts a dramatic naval engagement, likely from the Age of Sail, featuring Admiral John Benbow (a real historical English naval commander) and a gun-captain named James Burnham. The narrative dramatizes intense combat: a wounded gun-captain pleads to continue fighting despite his injuries; Benbow grants permission but ominously promises execution if the man survives. The passage then describes Burnham's superhuman valor as French ships attack—he single-handedly replaces fallen crew members, fighting despite horrific casualties around him. This appears to be historical fiction celebrating naval heroism and duty, typical of *The Wasp's* entertainment content. Without seeing accompanying illustrations, the satirical angle (if any) remains unclear. The page emphasizes martial courage and the grim hierarchies of naval warfare.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 309. ** It would be useless to deny it, sir,” replied the gun-captain in a somewhat pinched voice. *‘ But for Heaven’s sake, let me finish this fight ! ”’ he cried, a sudden spasm suddenly wrecking the composure of his blood-stained face. ‘‘ Let me see this fight through, I beg of you!” John Benbow’s eyes wavered. “Very good,” he said. “Very good! You have worked your guns bravely, sir; but if you are alive after the fight, and I have a yard left, you shallswing! Yes, even if you were my own son! And here’s my hand on it, lad.” They shook-hands gravely ; then the admiral swung on his heel and returned to the quarter- deck. A couple of French ships were soon within pistol-range again, and James went back to his work with unflagging zest and frightful execution. The murderous hail from his broadside soon sent one of the enemy reeling off to recover her breath; but others closed in. Burnham took the place of one man, of two, of an entire gun’s crew. His strength seemed more than human. His men fell on his right, on his left, against his breast, and at his feet, and he ran red with their blood. Still he drove the survivors to their _ guns and-workedéhis_ own. comichooks.com