After the _Britannia_ was torpedoed in November 1918, and the order
"Abandon Ship" had been given, the crew had to make their way as best
they could to a destroyer which had pulled up alongside.
Hawsers were run from the _Britannia_ to the destroyer, down which we
swarmed. Some got across. Others were not so lucky. One of the unlucky
ones who had a free bath was a Cockney stoker nicknamed "Shorty," who,
after splashing and struggling about, managed to get near the destroyer.
To help him a burly marine dangled a rope and wooden bucket over the
side, this being the only means of rescue available. The marine, who
was puffing at a large meerschaum pipe, called out: "Here y'are,
Shorty, grab 'old o' this bucket an' mind yer don't drown yerself in
it."
"Shorty" makes sure of bucket, then wipes the water from his eyes,
looks up to the marine, and says: "Garn, give the kid 'is trumpet
back."--_G. Lowe (ex-R.M.L.I.), 18 Brocas Street, Eton, Bucks._