The Cruel Sea

[Porthandbuoy]

This is the cover of my copy of The Cruel Sea by Nicholas Monsarrat.

Unlikely as it's probably code or the publishers random selection of code flags, but can anyone decipher the signal Compass Rose is flying?

'J'
'O'
'H'
'C'
'2'

 

[Sticky Fingers]

No idea, interesting though. Looks like a modern day callsign but don’t know if that was a thing at the time?

 

[Marsali_1]

This website: The Cruel Sea by Nicholas Monsarrat shows that the jacket was designed by John O'Hara Cosgrave II (ie the 2nd)

 

[Tradewinds]

Artistic License = good spot. J O H C 2

 

[[70521]]

I still cherish my late fathers copy, a gift to him in 1950 after serving his time on the Clyde and going to sea as an Engineering Cadet.

 

[oldharry]

Marsali 1 has it: If you look carefully down the RH side of the painting, you will see the artists signature J.O.H.Cosgrave John O'Hara Cosgrave ll (hence the Numerical 2 pennant) was born in America and lived 1908 to 1968, and was a naval artist of some note.

A four flag signal was used to give a Ships name or a geographical location.

 

[Porthandbuoy]

Bloody obvious once pointed out! Thanks.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Doh! I even spotted that signature and didn’t make the connection! Brilliant

 

[Mark-1]

This website: The Cruel Sea by Nicholas Monsarrat shows that the jacket was designed by John O'Hara Cosgrave II (ie the 2nd)

Brilliant question, and brilliant answer thanks both.

I wonder how many people over the years have worked that out and how the artist would feel if he knew that in 75 years time people would still be spotting it.

 

[capnsensible]

Interesting that it's been flagged up.

 

[Biggles Wader]

Well it should have spelled out "snorkers good oh!"

 

[Switch]

I still cherish my late fathers copy, a gift to him in 1950 after serving his time on the Clyde and going to sea as an Engineering Cadet.

I too have a copy belonging to my late father. I’ve read the book many times. I have very fond memories of watching the film with my Dad when I was growing up.