The Wasp, 1918 · page 322 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 322: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains no cartoon imagery—it's the final text of a narrative account attributed to Admiral John Benbow, printed at the end of a serialized story in *The Wasp* magazine. The text describes a gun-captain's heroic death during a four-day naval battle against an enemy (M. du Casse, likely French). Benbow praises the officer's exceptional service despite his past misconduct, indicated cryptically by a tattoo "beneath the blade of the left shoulder"—suggesting a criminal or disreputable background now redeemed through valor. The passage reflects late-19th/early-20th century themes: redemption through military service, British naval pride, and religious morality. The specific reference to a tattooed mark suggests the satirical or dramatic point involves social mobility—that a man of questionable origins could become heroic. However, without seeing the actual story, the specific satirical target remains unclear.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 313 time, as a volunteer master gunner. Because of his ability and devotion to duty, I promoted him to the com- , mand of all the heavy guns on the starboard side of the upper deck of my flag-ship before we came in touch with M. du Casse. His work throughout the four days’ battle was of the highest order. He was killed by a shot from the enemy on the morning of the fourth day. He died almost immediately after receiving the wound, fearless to the last, but without hope of the Divine Mercy ; yet I cannot think that his prodigious services to queen and country during those four terrific days passed unremarked and unappreciated by Almighty God. However that may be, sir, I am glad to be able to report that, in my humble opinion, the gun-captain with the distinguished device tatooed on his back, just beneath the blade of the left shoulder, fought like a hero and died like a gentleman—however he may have fought and lived in the past. God have mercy on his soul ! I have the honour to be, sir, Your humble, obedient servant, . JoHN BENBow, Admiral of the White. THE END. Printed in Great Britain by Wyman & Sons, Lid., London and Reading. comichooks.com