The Wasp — 1914 — page 241: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page depicts a military confrontation between Captain Cross and Alexander Burnham. The scene shows Cross ordering the violent removal of Stanton (apparently Burnham's brother, mockingly called "Sir Sucking Admiral") from London for disgracing the regiment. The satire appears to target military discipline and class dynamics. Cross's brutal authority and Stanton's cowardly submission—described as "cowed to the bottom of his flabby heart"—mock both rigid military hierarchy and the weakness of privileged individuals who cannot withstand authority despite their social rank. The phrase "Sir Sucking Admiral" suggests ridicule of an incompetent or unworthy officer. The specific individuals and incident referenced remain unclear without additional historical context about *The Wasp* magazine's period and targets.