This story in pictures uses the power of AI to recreate a punishment on a Royal Navy ship in the 18th century. It is a modern day storyette in the best traditions of the 60s, Royale Studio whose creator, Basil Clavering was much interested in the history of flogging in the British armed services.
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A hungry (hunky) sailor is caught red-handed by the ship's Captain, stealing precious, bread rations while the ship is mid-ocean.
It's a serious offence.
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The Captain condemns the offender to immediate punishment.
He is seized by the Mate and a senior seaman and marched away from the scene of the crime.
The seamen are dressed identically so even though it's not a recognisable uniform, I assume this is military not a merchant ship.
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They don't go far, an iron collar is secured around the unfortunate seaman's neck and he is shackled to the main-mast, with hands above his head, ready for punishment. The Captain gazes at his pert backside, as if contemplating a very different course of action.
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There's no time for dilly-dallying, the Mate has fetched his whip.
He lays it fiercely across the seaman's back.
The crew have gathered to watch the punishment.
They are largely unsympathetic, it's their bread he was stealing.
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A second stroke lands on the seaman's back.
He tries not to flinch or show weakness.
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| 6 |
As the punishment continues, his grunts get louder and more strained, but stony faces surround him.
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Finally it ends. The Mate releases his wrists and he sinks to his knees before the Captain, showing his contrition. He's got off lightly, punishments running into hundreds of lashes were not uncommon in the British Navy.
But it may not be all over quite yet. He's still in that collar and the Captain's looking at his ass again.