"ENGLAND EXPECTS"

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 70, 25 October 1940, Page 49

"ENGLAND EXPECTS"

ec E cannot be said to have fallen prematurely whose work was done; nor ought he to be lamented who died so full of honours and at the height of human fame. The most triumphant death is that of the martyr; the most awful that of the martyred patriot; the most splendid that of the hero in the hour of victory; and if the chariot and horses had been vouchsafed for Nelson’s translation he could scarcely have departed in a brighter blaze of glory. He has left us, not indeed his mantle of inspiration, but a name and an example which will continue to be our shield and strength. Thus it is that the spirits of the great and the wise continue to live and act after them." These are Southey’s memorable words, on the death of Horatio Nelson. A clear radio picture of Nelson is to be presented in the new CBS feature "‘ England Expects," which will: be broadcast from all ZB stations. It is a picture of the career and triumphs of the: first of British seamen. He was born in the village of BurnhamThorpe.on September 29, 1758, in the parsonage house of which his father was Rector, and was christened "‘ Horatio" after his uncle. Mrs, Nelson died in 1767, leaving eight out of eleven’ children alive. Her brother, Captain Maurice Suckling, of the Navy, visited the widower and promised to take care of one of the boys. Three years afterwards, when Horatio was only twelve years of age, he read in the country newspaper that his uncle was appointed to the Raisonnable, of 64 guns. He wrote to his uncle and it was agreed that he should go to sea.

For two years he was a midshipman on the Raisonnable. Then he went on a voyage of discovery toward the North Pole. It was a voyage full of excitement and danger, but young Nelson behaved excellently. On ‘his return to England, Nelson. was placed by his uncle with Captain Farmer, in the Seahorse, of 20 guns, then going out to the East Indies in the squadron under Sir Edward Hughes. His good conduct attracted the attention of the Master in whose watch he was; and, upon his recommendation, the Captain rated him as midshipman. From there he went on to become Acting-Lieutenant in the Worcester, and soon after, in April, 1877, he passed his examination as a lieutenant. Nelson was fortunate in possessing good friends at the time when their interest could be most useful to him; his promotion *had been almost as rapid as it could be, and before he had attained the age of twenty-one he had gained the rank which brought him all the honours of the service within his reach. No opportunity, indeed, has yet been given hira of distinguishing himself; but he was thoroughly master of his profession, and his zeal and ability were acknowledged wherever he was known. Many incidents of courage can be cited from Nelson’s life, and they will be truthfully portrayed in "England Expects," the new feature which will be heard on Thursday at 7.15 p.m, from Station 1ZB, and from then on at the same time on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It will begin at 2ZB on Tuesday, October 29, with 3ZB and 4ZB to follow.