Whilst patrolling on an exceptionally dark night, the order being "No
lights showing," we had the misfortune to come into collision with a
torpedo boat. Owing to the darkness and suddenness of the collision
we could not discover the extent of the damage, so the officer of the
watch made a "round," accompanied by the duty petty officer.
Upon reaching a hatchway leading down to the stokers' mess deck, he
called down: "Is there any water coming in down there?" In answer a
Cockney stoker, who was one of a number in their hammocks, was heard to
reply: "I don't fink so; it ain't reached my 'ammock yet."--_J. Norton
(late Ldg. Stoker, R.N.), 24 Lochaline Street, Hammersmith, W.6._