The captain was known as a very strict disciplinarian with close adherence
to "rocks and shoals" procedures. When the ship was at port the captain
was visited by his little grandson who fell over the side. An alert coxswain
dived into the sea and rescued the lad. During this period 13.00 quarters was
sounded and the coxswain missed muster. His absence was noted and he was placed
on report.
The following morning he appeared at Captain's Mast. His absentee offense was
read and the captain gave him two weeks restriction to the ship.
The coxswain blurted out, "But captain, sir, I was the man who saved your
grandson."
The captain turned to the yeoman who had re-corded the punishment and said:
"In that case, make that one week instead of two."