Friday 3 April 2015

Captain Caspian Clive Caruthers . . . . The A to Z of Slightly Strange Unknown Victorian Inventors and Explorers



Captain Caspian Clive Caruthers

Captain Caruthers was a seafaring man and had a long and distinguished career in the British Navy. As he got older he had many ideas that he felt would help the Navy to become masters of the sea. One of which was a navigational device he invented called the Caruthers Chronographic Chart Clarifier.  His device worked perfectly well but sadly Captain Caruthers was starting to go a little mad. He discovered a new island which he called New Jamaica which was in fact The Isle of Man.  And he attempted to claim The Isle of White for Britain, besieging the harbour and destroying the Post Office with cannon fire before the island surrendered. He was therefore retired off and found accommodation in the Green Acres Retirement Home for Naval Officers, however he was convinced he was a prisoner of war and spent many years digging tunnels to escape called Tom, Tom and Tom. He sadly died on his final escape plan when he built a glider in the roof of the home and although the glider worked well his victory barrel roll proved to be a foolish move.


  His invention the Caruthers Chronographic Chart Clarifier is still used by the retired naval officers at the Green Acres Retirement Home for Naval Officers to get to Tesco and back on Fridays when they are allowed out for good behaviour.  The Caruthers Cup is now a respected award, awarded for the best tunnel escape attempt at the home each year. 

14 comments:

  1. Hello my fellow! J here, stopping by from the #atozchallenge - where I am part of the A to Z Ambassador Team! (I'm a minion/volunteer under Arlee. Just like you.)
    Great post. I'm looking forward to more.
    @JLenniDorner
    Don't you just hate it when you go "a little mad" ?
    LOL. The escape tunnel part is great.

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    1. Well of course the escape plan is classic Colditz. I dont think their glider worked either although I may be wrong. I am not so good at history. (or science or typing) . . . .

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  2. Why are all those pensioners attempting a yearly escape? Is it because Green Acres serves Tapioca for desert?

    The Lil man and I are enjoying your posts immensely Mr Z.

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    1. Well if there is one thing Navy chaps never get to do while working out at sea, it is dig a tunnel. So they are not so much escaping as finding an interesting hobby to while away their retirement years. It helps keep the mind active and is great exercise.

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  3. Poor captain, great story, at least he died with a mission!

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    1. Many thanks for calling by. . . And he did indeed die doing his bit. I dont think he was the type to fade away in a comfy seat over a number of years.

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  4. Creating crazy characters can cause creative convincing connections: cumulative comicbook capers.

    Cool Comrade! :O)

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    1. Oooooo Hello Mr H I was just off to bed I will return tomorrow and make witty remarks. . . . . OK when I say witty I may be telling a slight lie.

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  5. So, was the Caruthers Chronographic Chart Clarifier nicknamed the Tom Tom? Ha Ha! Have fun with the challenge.

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    1. Clever I had not thought of that but it makes sense for a tunnel escape.

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  6. Very funny! Does every person in your challenge have a tragic end?!
    Dan Brown A-Z

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    1. AH not entirely everyone but its quite a high percentage. . . The risks in the world of inventors has always been high

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  7. Love it, I can just see him digging his tunnels.

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    1. Thanks Miss Laura I hope you are getting the time to do the A to Z without too much stress.

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