An Adored Commander

[anteros_lmc]

Comments

[eglantine_br]

The good that Captain Pownell did lived after him.

Wonderful how it came through Pellew and on into the world over time.

[anteros_lmc]

The good that Captain Pownell did lived after him.
Yes, definitely. And I can't help wondering if it's still working even now :)

[stevie_carroll]

A lovely letter there.

[anteros_lmc]

Isn't it? Considering Pellew had only rudimentary schooling, he really did write the most eloquent and moving letters.

[vespican]

I wonder if Pownoll's character and actions were because of what someone before him had done to instill these traits in him? I think a lot of things like that are passed one from on generation to another. At times it might be because an individual determines that the way he's seen it done isn't the right way, and seeks to change things for the better.

One a somewhat related note, I was once told that the way aircraft are handled on the deck of a carrier can be traced to the first flight deck crew. They establish the patterns and as the crew evolves and changes, those moves remain.
Dave

[anteros_lmc]

I wonder if Pownoll's character and actions were because of what someone before him had done to instill these traits in him?
Pownoll served as Boscawen's first lieutenant aboard Namur during the Seven Years War, so he certainly learned his trade from one of the best.

[nodbear]

Yes I think there was a tradition that these officers were aware of and in their various ways tried hard to honour - and I think for Boscawen and Pownoll and Ned and his "boys grown to manhood" there was as much learned from seeing the mentor in both action and frustration and in danger and routine - as John Gazes comment about the Brest blockade illustrates.