jacey | Booklog 64/2024: Alexander Kent: Richard Bolitho, Midshipman - Bolitho #1

Audiobook read by Michael Jayston
Set in 1772, this is the chronological-first Richard Bolitho book and takes up his story as a midshipman of sixteen (already with four years naval service) as he transfers to HMS Gorgon, a 74-gun ship of the line. The first person he meets is Martyn Dancer, a slightly junior fellow midshipman. The Gorgon is sent to West Africa to investigate the disappearance of ships in the region. On discovering an abandined ship, the City of Athens, they realise she's the victim of pirates who have looted the ship and killed the crew. Sailing on they come under the guns of a coastal fort occupied by pirates and the City of Athens is disabled. Bolitho and Dancer are sent on a mission to recover a British ship under the lead of Lt. Tregorren, who has a grudge against Bolitho's prestigious naval heritage. Bolitho and Dancer, with Tregorren disabled by drink, regain the boat and lead the powerful pirate vessel to its doom over rocky shoals. Tregorren takes the glory but the captain isn't fooled. Michael Jayston is an excellent reader.