Washbourn

And they were men handpicked by Washbourn: men who had keen eyes and keen minds, who would not get flustered or frightened, and who could be relied on, whether the ship was rolling or pitching in a heavy sea, zig-zagging, burning or sinking, to go on turning the hand wheels which would keep the Director Sight, and, in turn, the guns aimed. at the chosen enemy.

Graf Spee Pope, Dudley 1956

Washbourn stooped in his seat and looked down into the forward part of the D.C.T. He saw that Shaw, sitting at his instrument in a natural position, was in fact dead.

Graf Spee Pope, Dudley 1956

The rating who had reported the first sight of smoke to Washbourn was sent for, and Captain Parry handed over a pound note.

Graf Spee Pope, Dudley 1956

It was fortunate that Washbourn, in the previous weeks of practice, had made sure that all the men in the D.C.T. could do every job.

Graf Spee Pope, Dudley 1956

Shortly before this, after the Achilles 'D.C.T. had been hit and the wireless link for concentration firing broken, Lt. Washbourn had begun firing in individual control.

Graf Spee Pope, Dudley 1956

It was then that Washbourn heard of the comments made about him at the beginning of the action by a stoker, who had not then appreciated that the Graf Spee had arrived on the horizon.

Graf Spee Pope, Dudley 1956

Captain Parry had climbed up to the bridge and taken over from Washbourn, who had then scrambled up to the Director Control Tower.

Graf Spee Pope, Dudley 1956

Washbourn, still rather dazed, did not understand.

Graf Spee Pope, Dudley 1956

It is unlikely that Washbourn was very upset by this — no self-respecting Gunnery Officer likes to have the control of his guns taken away from him.

Graf Spee Pope, Dudley 1956

Climbing back into his seat, Washbourn called down the voicepipe:

Graf Spee Pope, Dudley 1956