{"id":492,"date":"2023-01-27T05:30:07","date_gmt":"2023-01-27T05:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/haguepublishing.com\/WotW\/?page_id=492"},"modified":"2023-01-27T05:30:07","modified_gmt":"2023-01-27T05:30:07","slug":"lcdr-carver","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/haguepublishing.com\/WotW\/lcdr-carver\/","title":{"rendered":"LCDR Carver"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t
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03-Jun 18:00 @LCMDCarver<\/div>
\"03-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Lieutenant Roger Carver<\/h2>\n

Lt. Roger Carver commanded HMS Thunder Child’s<\/em> Royal Marine (Light Infantry) detachment during those crucial days in June 1897.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While no individual photograph of Lt. Carver exists, we were able to locate a photograph in “Black and White, November 13th, 1896,” titled the “Portsmouth Division Royal Marine Light Infantry – Winners of the Cup”, with both Lt Carver, and then Colour Sgt Howard in the front row. Lt Carver is on the left, Colour Sgt. Howard on the right. Lt Carver transfered to HMS #ThunderChild 2 months later, where he was joined by Sergeant Howard in March 1897, following the Colour Sergeant’s demotion.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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03-Jun 18:01 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt. Roger Carver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I had been called to the bridge by Captain Allenby. Lt. Farmer, our Signals Officer, who had who had spent most of his watch fussing with the new experimental and highly temperamental wireless set that the Admiralty had seen fit to bestow on us, entered the bridge, He clutched a piece of paper like it was Holy Writ. \u201cThe falling star landed at Woking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally, Mr. Farmer,\u201d Captain Allenby chuckled, plainly unimpressed by our new electric age. \u201c\u2026There was word about some loss of life,\u201d added Lt. Farmer hesitantly.\u00a0 Allenby frowned. He opened his mouth but was cut off by a shout from by the lookout, \u201cCaptain, flag hoist from Colossus<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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04-Jun 07:00 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 04 June 1897 07:00 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ship\u2019s company has become more tense since yesterday evening. Mr. Farmer\u2019s wireless continues to bring us frightful news of more falling stars and fighting in Essex with the army having been mobilized.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:25 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:25 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I raised my glasses and stared wordlessly at the gleaming apparition rising over the town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It towered above the steeple of the nearby church on three separate but flexible legs, a hooded carapace at its apex. Calmly and deliberately, like a young boy quashing an anthill, it pushed itself into the steeple, sending it clanging to the ground. \u201cWhat in the hell is that<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat<\/em>, Mr. Carver,\u201d said Captain Allenby, focusing his binoculars, \u201cis the enemy. Sound action stations.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:26 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:26 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOpen fire.\u201d<\/em> The deck shook under my feet as our twin twelve-inch guns in our fore and aft turrets flashed and roared.\u00a0 I watched as the shells exploded around the Martian fighting machine, kicking up plumes off dirt and debris. \u201cGet your shells on target, if you please,\u201d said Allenby, intently watching the shoreline through his glasses from the wing of the bridge.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:40 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:40 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I looked fore across the bow to where Colossus<\/em> had taken up position, some 100 yards from us. Our sister ship had swung aimed its main battery ashore and fired on a second Martian fighting machine that appeared in the town. Colossus\u2019<\/em> gunners, by chance or design, had straddled the second Martian with their first round, which seemed to get their notice.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:44 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:44 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCloser, but not quite,\u201d said the captain, lowering his glasses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook!\u201d shouted Mr. Farmer, pointing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We turned to watch one of the enemy fighting-machines step out from the town, across the stony beach and wade into the water towards us, as to challenge our position. <\/em>The small boats that were the harbour scattered in every direction trying to get away. Colossus <\/em>must\u2019ve seen it too, as we watched it\u2019s the barrels of its main batteries depress further as the turrets swung to get a bearing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHard a port!\u2019\u00a0 yelled Allenby from the bridge wing. \u201cNow!\u201d He cupped his hands as he rasped into the speaking tube. \u201cAll batteries fire.\u201d I felt the Thunder Child <\/em>lurch suddenly and grabbed a rail with both hands, as the ship struggled to bring the full weight of her broadside to bear on the enemy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:55 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:55 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I watched as the Colossus\u2019s<\/em> broadside erupt in fire and fury. Four twelve-inch shells arched out and struck the lead enemy fighting-machine, causing its carapace to detonate in a ball of fire. A great cheer went up from the bridge as the tripod reeled as if punched in the face and fell back into the water with a splash.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow <\/em>that\u2019s shooting,\u201d smiled Captain Allenby, lowering his glasses.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:57 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:57 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Our exaltation was short-lived. The surviving fighting-machine rose it is full height and from it rose an almost mournful cry of, \u201cUlla! Ulla!\u201d<\/em> that boomed out over voices, drowning us out into shocked silence.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:02 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:02 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I cursed under my breath as I saw the new fighting-machine on the shoreline. The people left on the nearby pier saw it too; through my glasses I could see them push each other towards the already overcrowded small craft, shoving some hapless individuals into the water, their arms windmilling as they went. The fighting machine extended a long black tube and directed at the masses at the pier.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:04 @LCMDCarver<\/div>
\"07-Jun<\/a><\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:04 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I could hear the screams of the people crowded on the pier echo across the water as the black smoke fell on them. They cried in terror, trying to escape, some even jumped into the water. As the smoke covered them, their voices began to choke out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My mouth hung open.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:06 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:06 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I lowered my binoculars. \u201cIt murdered them wholesale.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Carver,\u201d said Mr. Farmer, bitterly. \u201cThat would require an acceptance of equality between us. It\u2019s an extermination. That\u2019s what it is. Like a farmer would poison an infestation of vermin.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:07 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:07 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All eyes were on the second now Martian now, as it raised a camera-like apparatus with a circular mirror and directed it towards the victorious Colossus<\/em>. It flashed and stabbed out, knife-like at the beating heart of the battleship. The Colossus<\/em> erupted in fire and steam as it was sundered from bow to stern by the invisible blade.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:09 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:09 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy God in heaven,\u201d Allenby lowered his glasses as he watched the expanding column of smoke and steam arise from the sinking pyre of the Colossus<\/em>. He turned back and called out, \u201cAll batteries fire! Fire as you bear!\u201d<\/em> The ship rocked as our main batteries engaged the enemy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The smoke cleared.\u00a0 To our immense encouragement, we had hit the second fighting-machine, damaging it in its rearmost leg with a glancing blow. It limped away from us, almost painfully pulling its injured leg with the remaining two, towards the safety of its partner, calling out, \u201cUlla! Ulla!\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:12 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:12 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We are rapidly closing the range between us and the injured Martian. The captain\u2019s aim had been to destroy it before it could receive aid from its companion advancing from the shoreline.\u00a0 However, that point was already moot: the Martian had already joined its stricken partner. It extended its long black tube and began to produce the same thick, low-hanging black smoke that had exterminated the hapless townsfolk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:14 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:14 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a fleeting instant, I thought the captain mad enough to pierce the black wall of swirling smoke that was drifting towards us with the ship and ram the Martian. But then, I heard him call out from the wing of the bridge, \u201cHard starboard! All engines full ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I gripped the railing and exhaled in relief. I heard the clang of the engine telegraph and could feel the ship begin to heel to the right as she began her turn. The smoke would miss us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:30 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:30 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We were rapidly retreating from the enemy.\u00a0 There was no putting a brave face on it. I looked at the captain. He stood silently on the bridge looking out to sea, his faced fixed in a frown. Our ship \u2013 the Thunder Child<\/em> \u2013 was the pride of the Royal Navy and the Empire. A marvel of the modern age. I looked back at the cloud of black smoke astern us that now smothered the coast. But what could we do against that?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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08-Jun 09:19 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, #RoyalMarines, #Thunder Child<\/em>, 08 June 1897 09:19 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I joined Farmer on the bridge that morning as we entered the great estuary.\u00a0 Captain Allenby appeared on the bridge briefly. He has remained in his sea cabin for much of our time since the battle. When he does emerge, it seems only to brood.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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09-Jun 10:25 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 10:25 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thunder Child<\/em> plowed serenely through the water.\u00a0 Shipping of sort slipped around us. Everything from giant three-funnelled ocean liners to simple fishing smacks jockeyed for position, trying to close into the beach and piers to take off as many of the poor souls as possible who were crowded onshore.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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09-Jun 10:27 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 08 June 1897 10:25 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFlag hoist from the Majestic<\/em>, sir,\u201d reported the lookout.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I raised my glasses and read the string of signal flags fluttering in the stiff breeze from the flagship\u2019s mast. \u201cReport to the captain at once,\u201d I said to the young midshipman beside me, \u201cIt seems we\u2019re being summoned aboard.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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09-Jun 10:41 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 10:41 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Captain Allenby and I stepped from Thunder Child\u2019s<\/em> whaleboat onto the first rung of rope ladder that led up to Majestic\u2019s<\/em> deck, piped aboard by the bosun\u2019s whistle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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09-Jun 10:44 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 10:44 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026I found it odd. Despite what they had heard, the crew seemed complacent, disciplined, but acting in such a relaxed manner that belied the threat to the whole world. If only they knew\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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09-Jun 10:46 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 10:46 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We were escorted into the wood-panelled sea cabin of Admiral Sir Walter Kerr. He motioned to the two chairs before his mahogany desk. \u201cSit down gentlemen.\u201d He lit his cigar and puffed on it. \u201cA shame about the Colossus<\/em>. We could\u2019ve used her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Admiral,\u201d agreed Allenby, absently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026of course, there\u2019s no understating your bravery or that of the crew of Thunder Child<\/em>,\u201d continued the Admiral. \u201cIt\u2019s just these\u2026 things…\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know sir,\u201d said Allenby \u201cThere\u2019s no word to describe them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026but alien,\u201d I found myself piping up suddenly.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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09-Jun 10:48 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 10:48 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Kerr forced a smile. \u201cQuite\u2026 alien. Given your experience with the Martians, you\u2019ll stay close in shore, and acting as screen for the civilian shipping,\u201d said Kerr puffing his cigar. \u201dThat is your officia<\/em>l role. \u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnofficially<\/em>,\u201d said the admiral, \u201cyou will screen Her Royal Majesty and members of the royal household. We will be evacuating them to France. You will act as escort to the fast yacht Turbina<\/em> and see them out of threatened waters.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe situation is far worse than the Government has let on,\u201d said Kerr shaking his head gravely, as if reading our shocked expressions. \u201cThe monsters will be on us soon. London is about to fall to the Martians. Both the Government and the Royal Family have fled the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAstounding,\u201d said Allenby. \u201cThings are that bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWorse,\u201d Kerr snorted. \u201cThe Cabinet has retreated to Birmingham; and what\u2019s left of the Army is in retreat. They have been ordered to form a new line along the Thames, and from Moulesford along the GWR line to Bristol but who knows if they can hold.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The enemy has yet to seize London,\u201d Kerr continued. But with London now cut off to the West and soon likely to the North, it won’t last long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd,\u201d said Kerr with all the studied calm of a man facing his execution, \u201cthere have been mutinies on the torpedo-boats of the Thames Squadron.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMutinies?\u201d said Allenby in disbelief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunate business,\u201d Kerr nodded. \u201cWe\u2019ve also had instances of the wireless interference you\u2019ve reported. By means of signal triangulation, we have placed its source around Woking. We believe the Martians have established a powerful wireless beacon to guide their cylinders.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s not more to add,\u201d concluded Kerr. \u201cThe Channel Squadron will stand to further out and prevent a Martian crossing of the channel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I said nothing. How long would that plan last when the Martians began landing outside Paris and Berlin?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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09-Jun 14:12 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 14:12 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Four sullen men, the highest-ranking a leading seaman sat on the bench, flanked by two of the ship\u2019s Marines.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was madness, that\u2019s it what was, ordering us to charge up the river to do what<\/em>?\u201d He sneered. \u201cWe didn\u2019t get more than halfway when we were met by a wall of black smoke and the Heat Ray.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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09-Jun 14:34 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 16:40 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“The world is coming to an end, and yet this is what we do,” said Farmer, watching the detail slide the wrapped bodies over the side.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“They mutinied and deserted in the face of the enemy,” was all I could reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Really? I thought better of you, Carver,” Farmer said, and turned on his heel.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 16:11 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 16:11 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Much has been written of the events of this day, particularly by a certain fabulist-turned-historian, who has taken some liberties and omits certain important details. As a witness, I can only provide my first-hand version of events, which saw my world forever change.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 16:12 #historian?<\/div>

Concerning Lt Roger Carver’s description of Wells as a ‘fabulist-turned-historian’. Some of the contempt may be due to Wells’ Socialist ideals which Carver abhorred. In defence of Wells’ own account, Wells himself was not a witness to what occurred, and appears to have relied on his brother recollections @hgwellsbro.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 16:13 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 16:13 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As per Admiral Kerr\u2019s orders, I had taken a small detachment of the ship\u2019s marines ashore to meet the Royal Party at a private pier just outside Bradwell Waterside, where Turbina<\/em> was tied up, awaiting its passengers. Thunder Child <\/em>stood patiently offshore, smoke curling up from her stack.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 16:15 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 16:15 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Martians had swept into London from the southwest, cutting it off from the rest of the country. They drove humanity before them, like lambs to the slaughter. Standing on the pier, we watched a steady stream of humanity clatter by, increasing in size throughout the day. Mr. Farmer would certainly appreciate this.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Some refugees were on foot; many passed us on horseback, bundled into wagons and carriages, and even on bicycles doubtlessly driven by the sounds of artillery in the distance. We drew sullen stares but our line of fixed bayonets and men in khaki had thus far dissuaded anything beyond.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 16:35 #The Queen<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 16:35 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finally, we heard the clatter of multiple hooves, the whinny of horses, and the rattle of carriage wheels, and the angered calls, of \u201cMake way! Make way!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Within a few minutes a black carriage with drawn curtains arrived, escorted by a squadron of dusty Horse Guards with carbines hanging from their saddles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A young Horse Guards lieutenant in his dirty red serge dismounted, hand on his calvary sabre. He marched up to me parade ground style and saluted crisply. \u201cSir, I transfer my charges into your custody.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I returned his salute. \u201cAccepted.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The carriage door slowly opened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We snapped to attention. A diminutive figure, shrouded in black stepped out, escorted by a pair of ladies in waiting, and a frowning man, presumably her bodyguard. She stopped in front of the lieutenant and took his hand. \u201cThank you, Lieutenant.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thus, in her Diamond Jubilee Year of 1897, Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Empress of India, and Head of the Commonwealth fled England.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 16:40 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 16:40 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We watched Turbina<\/em> pull away from the pier. As the yacht and its royal passenger moved speedily into the busy estuary under the protective gaze of the Thunder Child, <\/em>I said to Sergeant-Major Howard, \u201cGet the men on the whaleboat and castoff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sudden shout made me turn around. A Martian tripod towered menacingly above the forest behind us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBelay that!\u201d I ordered, with an eye on the looming Martians.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I tossed the mooring rope to the cox\u2019n. \u201cGet that whaleboat away!\u201d Then turning to Howard and the Horse Guards lieutenant. \u201cGet your men to cover!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 16:44 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 16:44 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Along with the other men, Sergeant-Major Howard, the Horse Guards lieutenant, and I crouched low behind a stone wall. The civilians around us rushed about pell-mell, ignoring our example. I looked over the wall: the three Martians had linked up on the beach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I watched as the Martians waded into the Blackwater, calling out, Ulla! Ulla!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The shipping around them tried to scatter. I saw one of the tripods raise a giant leg and step on a fishing smack full of screaming people, driving it underwater.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cInhuman monsters!\u201d seethed the Lieutenant. He tried to stand up, but Howard and I grabbed him and held him fast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStay down,\u201d I growled. \u201cAre you trying to get us killed?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw them! If mere men can\u2019t stop them, what hope is there?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 16:53 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 16:53 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the mist, the three Martians stood in the middle of the estuary, seemingly transfixed by the sight of the hapless channel ferry, loaded down with terrified passengers. They towered above the little boat as its sidewheels churned and smoke poured from its stack.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 16:55 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 16:55 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUlla! Ulla!\u201d <\/em>The trumpeting Martian chorus overlapped the panicked cries from the passengers on the ferry as the enemy pondered their next victims. The pour souls: they were doomed, and they knew it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook!\u201d shouted Howard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From out of the fog, came Thunder Child.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 16:57 @LtCarver<\/div>
\"10-Jun<\/a><\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 16:57 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Like a knife, Thunder Child\u2019s<\/em> bow slid into legs of the first tripod, causing it to tumble into the water. Smoke pouring from its stack, the battleship plowed forward into the legs of the second Martian, which scarcely had time to react.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 16:58 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 16:58 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Along with Howard and the young Lieutenant, I got to my feet, open-mouthed. Thunder Child<\/em> was still afloat, low in water by the bow, with a crumpled Martian tripod laying across her forward decks. The remaining tripod stood a distance away in the fog, as if stunned.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 17:00 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 17:00 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood old Thunder Child<\/em>!\u201d shouted Howard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs anyone still alive on her?\u201d asked the Lieutenant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smoke curled from the battleship\u2019s crushed smokestack as it began to move forward. Plainly life remained on her. The last Martian began to move, bringing its Heat Ray to bear.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 17:05 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 17:05 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I felt a sickening lurch in my gut as the Martian fired, causing the length of the ship to erupt into the flame. But it was too late. Carried by momentum, if nothing else and the spite of a dead hand on the helm, Thunder Child<\/em> barrelled head-long into the tripod\u2019s legs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Martian collapsed forward onto Thunder Child<\/em> as the burning ship swept under its legs. At the same time, an explosion from below decks caused Thunder Child<\/em> to explode like a bomb, leaving its debris to rain down us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe boilers, \u201csaid Howard. He quietly crossed himself. \u201cAlmost as if she were waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10-Jun 18:02 #Turbina<\/div>

From the personal log of Captain Charles Parson, RNR, Commanding HMS Turbina, <\/em>10 June 1897, 18:02 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The coast was behind us in the haze. I became aware of someone clearing her throat behind me on the bridge. I turned around: Her Majesty, Empress of India, Queen Victoria stood before me. \u201cY-your Majesty?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me Captain,\u201d she smiled. \u201cHow long would it take us make Aberdeen?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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11-Jun 10:34 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 11 June 1897, 10:34 GMT:<\/p>\n

We spent the better part of yesterday and today on the shore waiting.<\/em> To our dismay, the battleships of the Channel Squadron remained on the horizon, their distant shimmering forms in my binoculars. They sent us no relief, despite our repeated signals.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCommander,\u201d asked Sergeant-Major Howard, not unkindly. \u201cOrders? Poor old Thunder Child\u2019s<\/em> gone; there\u2019s no help coming from those blighters.\u201d He nodded out to sea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I nodded. I had hoped to find survivors from Thunder Child<\/em>, but it was evident that she was lost with all hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meanwhile my little group of Marines and Horse Guards had grown, picking up stragglers from other regiments. The story these new arrivals told was the same: the wholesale slaughter of humanity.\u00a0 Between myself, Howard, and Lieutenant Mann, we struggled with discipline, but then \u2013 \u201cWoking, Sergeant-Major,\u201d I heard myself say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBeg pardon, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWoking.\u201d The Admiralty had a theory that the enemy has established a wireless beacon there. I intend for us to destroy it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Howard raised an eyebrow but nodded. Any order would help. \u201cRight you are, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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12-Jun 13:20 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child, 12 June 1897, 13:20 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After Lieutenant Mann ordered his Sergeant to locate mounts for us all, Lieutenant Mann and I spent some time this morning discussing the best route to Woking. Both of us agree we must avoid London at all costs, but north or south?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The route south is shorter and has the advantage of avoiding the front-line. Sergeant-Major Howard is confident of finding some means for us to cross at Tilbury, but without the ferry we will have to leave our mounts behind.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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13-Jun 16:58 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 13 June 1897, 16:58 GMT:<\/p>\n

We have set off for Woking, intending to cross the Thames at Tilbury. I am in command of a cobbled-together mounted force of 25 men, drawn from the late Thunder Child\u2019s <\/em>marine detail, Lieutenant Mann\u2019s Horse Guards, and a dozen stragglers from other commands. I plan to travel at night to keep from being discovered.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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14-Jun 09:30 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 14 June 1897, 09:30 GMT:<\/p>\n

As we cannot travel through London, our line of march to Woking must take us southwest to Tilbury where we must cross the Thames, before swinging northwest. We have thus far avoided the Martians but have seen the destruction that is their signature. With some exceptions, the men are becoming used their horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Basildon is in ruins and a measure of how we have fallen. Towards the town centre in front of the blackened wreck of the Town Hall, we came across a pile of bricks on which sat a chair that must have been pulled out of a bank manager\u2019s office and covered in gold paint.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere now, that\u2019s mine!\u201d A portly man wearing the remains of a suit approached us. He looked like he\u2019d been in the sun too long. \u201cI\u2019m the Master of Basildon. You report to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Master?\u201d I asked bemusedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the duly constituted civil authority hereabouts. I\u2019m giving you an order!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, sir,\u201d I smiled. \u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u201d I turned to the column. \u201cMove out!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the master!\u201d he shrieked as we rode past. \u201cYou lads listen to me!\u2019 he called after us. \u201cI can make Basildon great again!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We rode on, leaving The Master of Basildon alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 10:00 @LCMDCarver<\/div>
\"15-Jun<\/a><\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 15 June 1897, 11:00 GMT:<\/p>\n

We arrived at Tilbury to find the Ferry tied up at the quay and covered with dead bodies: men, women and children all bundled together. They looked strangely peaceful. Every surface is covered with a fine black dust that clings uneasily to one\u2019s skin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All the men – Marines, Horse Guards, and infantry – worked as one to quickly remove the bodies before placing them in a single shallow grave. I spoke the simple words of commitment and promised resurrection. Words held back from those who had shot for desertion only 6 days before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Corporal Markinson, who served in the engine room before transferring to the marines, assures me the ferry should work once we have relit her boiler. With a pump and hose, we\u2019ve cleared much of the black dust off the boat. After the horrors of the past few days, this is welcome news.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 09:00 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 16 June 1897, 09:00 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Loading the horses onto the ferry took most of the night, and then unloading them in Gravesend the rest of the night. Markinson was as good as his word and the Ferry performed faultlessly. The group appears in good spirits and determined to exact its revenge for those the Martians killed in Tilbury.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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17-Jun 11:00 @LtCarver<\/div>
\"17-Jun<\/a><\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 17 June 1897, 11:00 GMT:<\/p>\n

Our ranks continue to grow. Outside of Betchworth, resting in a glade, we found a 12-pounder gun, with its horses, limber, and ammunition wagon. According to the gun\u2019s crew they were part of a masked Royal Horse Artillery battery that failed to stop the Martians east of London.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe managed to save ourselves before the Black Smoke took the horses, sir,\u201d said their sergeant. He seemed embarrassed to be among the living. \u201cWe\u2019ve been in concealment ever since.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand.\u201d I looked them up and down. \u201cUp for a little revenge?\u201d<\/p>\n

The artillerymen all nodded grimly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We continued our ride northwest, skirting around dead London in the moonlight. Passing through a freight yard outside of Dorking, we halted. Ahead stood a Martian silhouetted above the rooftops, scanning the horizon. We all held our breaths until it moved towards the east.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe must be getting close, sir,\u201d said Sergeant-Major Howard, watching the Martian move into the distance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll get our fill of them soon,\u201d I said. \u201cWe\u2019ll be in Woking tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Howard nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll see to the men, then.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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18-Jun 09:30 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 18 June 1897, 09:30 GMT:<\/p>\n

The sun was well up when we finally entered Ripley, just outside Woking. Our column, now 30 men plus a field gun, moved slowly. Except for a few burnt out buildings, likely from long-forgotten cooking fires, the town was intact. But like everywhere, it was deserted, devoid of life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold it right there,\u201d rang out a woman\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother master?\u201d asked Lieutenant Mann. \u201cEvery town we ride through seems to have one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have you covered!\u201d A young woman stepped out from the shadows, wearing riding boots. Long dark curls flowered around her head. She levelled a shotgun at us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot a master, Lieutenant Mann,\u201d I smiled at her. \u201cBut perhaps a queen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us pass,\u201d said Mann. \u201cWe have to get to Woking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dWoking seems to be a popular destination,\u201d she said with an arch smile. She lowered her weapon, as she surveyed us. \u201cYou\u2019re the army or what\u2019s left it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoyal Navy, actually,\u201d I said. \u201cLieutenant Commander Roger Carver, late HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, at your service. <\/em>But the Lieutenant is correct: it is vital we get to Woking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait? Thunder Child?\u201d<\/em> She blinked. \u201cThere\u2019s someone you should meet at my grandfather\u2019s workshop.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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18-Jun 10:20 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 18 June 1897, 10:20 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

According to a few rough notes Mr. Farmer scribbled in the Thunder Child\u2019s<\/em> logbook, the force of the ship\u2019s boilers exploding threw him and the logbook clear of the ship. Despite his grave injuries, he found the ship\u2019s whaleboat adrift. What had happened the cox\u2019n is unclear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAmazing,\u201d I said, closing the book. “And on a wild hunch that I was alive and heading towards Woking, Farmer motored up the Thames to meet us.”\u00a0 I turned to Maxim and his granddaughter. \u201cYou\u2019ve mentioned that you\u2019ve kept watch on the Martian position. What have you found out?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat tower is much more than a beacon, of that I am certain, Mr. Carver,\u201d said Maxim. \u201cBased on my observations, I believe it broadcasts an electromagnetic field protecting the Martians against earthly pathogens. Destroy it, and they will sicken and die within a matter of days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I frowned. Maxim\u2019s theory was outlandish. \u201cPoppycock! I refuse to believe how invisible waves can prevent illness and death! It\u2019s nonsense. I can sooner believe in\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Men from Mars, Mr. Carver?\u201d Maxim smiled archly. \u201cThe Martians are a more ancient and more advanced race.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a given,\u201d I said. \u201cAny race that can cross the gulf of space must be beyond us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn many ways,\u201d said Maxim. \u201cThe fighting machines, the Heat Ray: those are obvious examples. They are beyond us as we are the flatworm. Their grasp of the sciences must be equally ahead of us.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe are now experimenting with wireless,\u201d continued Maxim. \u201cI can see the day when we will be able to transmit sound and pictures.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Mr. Farmer says.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why cannot you accept the possibility that the Martians, who are in advance of us, are able to do as I suggest?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll suspend my doubt,\u201d I said. I needed Maxim. In retrospect, he was correct, although we still don\u2019t comprehend why. \u201cYou plan to destroy the tower, you granddaughter said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Maxim nodded. \u201cTogether, we might just carry the day! Persephone, show the Commander my machine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour grandfather is quite the man,\u201d I said as Persephone led me to the back shed.<\/p>\n

\u201cScientist, engineer, inventor, industrialist,\u201d she said taking my hand with a smile, \u201cand designer of the Maxim machine gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

I blushed a little as she took my hand. Was Persephone\u2026 a suffragette?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s in here?\u201d\u00a0 I asked as Persephone unlocked the padlock on the shed\u2019s double door and begun to swing them open. I helped her push the doors back, revealing something looming in the shadows.<\/p>\n

Persephone smiled, taking my hand and squeezing it. \u201cGrandfather\u2019s flying machine!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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19-Jun 11:00 @LtCarver<\/div>
\"19-Jun<\/a><\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 19 June 1897, 11:00 GMT:<\/p>\n

I stood at table with a map of Woking, and the Martian position in the Horsell Common sandpit.\u00a0 Maxim tapped the map with a red grease pencil, drawing a circle around the enemy position. \u201cThis is about where I began to feel that odd sensation, I told you about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re certain that the tower the Martians built is the cause of it? Lieutenant Mann asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d said Maxim.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe may not agree on everything,\u201d I said, \u201cbut we agree that tower must be destroyed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m more concerned about the Black Smoke,\u201d said Sergeant-Major Howard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI may have an answer for that,\u201d said Maxim, producing a crude fabric hood with eyeholes made from glass. \u201cBefore wireless transmission from Birmingham was cut off due to the tower\u2019s interference, the government broadcast specifications for these masks. I understand your artillery were provided with a set.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mann picked up the mask.\u00a0 He shook his head. \u201cThis<\/em> will protect us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve made improvements, including a charcoal filter to increase its effectiveness,\u201d Maxim assured us.<\/p>\n

I remembered how the people of Shearness and Tilbury died wholesale from the smoke. \u201cDo we have enough for us all?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxim nodded. \u201cPersephone and some of your men spent a few hours this morning making them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMake sure everyone is issued with one,\u201d I turned to Howard.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll need something for the horses,\u201d said Lieutenant Mann.<\/p>\n

\u201cPersephone\u2019s already thought of that,\u201d Maxim said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an adaption of the basic mask,\u201d Persephone said. \u201cIt fits quite snugly There\u2019ll be enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sergeant-Major, how are the men?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe now have two Maxim guns with ammunition. The 12-pounder has 20 rounds of high explosive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe sure to site your artillery piece here,\u201d said Maxim, pointing to where the map indicated a wooded area that overlooked the Martians. \u201cIt will be in range there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe men are rested and ready to go,\u201d said Howard. \u201cIt\u2019s this business about the flying machine I\u2019m not sure of.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSergeant-Major,\u201d said Maxim, \u201cplease be assured my machine will fly. \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cThen tomorrow we attack,\u201d I said. \u201cAction will commence at 0800 with a single green flare.\u201d<\/p>\n

I looked over at Farmer asleep on the cot. He stirred gently. I doubt he heard us at all.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

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