Thread: Who knew...

Originally Posted by Hart

Thread derailment specialist indeed.
What are these men holding?

Rear row left to right:
Boatswains call, flag, looks like a rifle cradled in his left arm, something sticking up to his right - a musical instrument?, cannon swab

Middle row L-R:
don't know, don't know, fiddle

Front row L-R:
cat, telescope.

Elementary, the smooth shaven gent,, Peter Eagan, B.M., is holding the bag that they let the cat out of. The gent seated to his left may be holding a penny whistle.

The Bos'n standing at the left rear is most likely holding his bos'n's pipe. I never heard it referred to as a "call" during my time in the Navy, although I do see it referred to as such on the inter-web.

Photo # NH 63037 extended caption explains who these men were and gives their dates of enlistment/service as well as their rate and rank if you're interested.

Derailment attained.

Originally Posted by Hart

Thread derailment specialist indeed.
What are these men holding?

Rear row left to right:
Boatswains call, flag, looks like a rifle cradled in his left arm, something sticking up to his right - a musical instrument?, cannon swab

Middle row L-R:
don't know, don't know, fiddle

Front row L-R:
cat, telescope.

That's not a cannon swab, it's a mop for swabbing the decks!