From Cabin Boy to Captain

This is the diary of Captain Henry F Greatorex, who went to sea at the age of twelve and became captain of his own ship at the age of forty one. From Cabin Boy to Captain is a facinating description of life in the British merchant navy during the late 19th century and is full of amazing tales, such as; • Near death by drowning (several times) • Falling from the rigging (several times) • Attack by Chinese pirates • Ramming (and sinking) another merchant vessel • Close encounters with icebergs • Participating in the Australian goldrush • Preserving of a dead baby in rum • Death by chilli fume inhalation • Death from rabies • Raining fish