The Dreadnought Boys on a Submarine

In Short

This novel is a classic example of early twentieth-century juvenile fiction, blending technological wonder with high-stakes melodrama. It follows the titular "Dreadnought Boys," Ned and Herc, as they help an inventor perfect a new type of submarine for the U.S. Navy. Faced with relentless industrial saboteurs, the heroes must protect the vessel from theft, kidnapping, and explosive traps. It has endured as a charming piece of Americana, reflecting the intense national pride and mechanical optimism that characterized the era’s literature for young readers.

The Story

The narrative opens at a shipyard where inventor Channing Lockyer refuses a lucrative offer from a shadowy private concern, choosing instead to offer his advanced submarine design to the United States government. Ned Strong and Herc, two seasoned young sailors, are assigned to assist with the final construction and testing of this craft, the Lockyer. They are joined by their mentor, the old salt Tom Marlin, and a young mechanical prodigy named Sim.

Almost immediately, the project is besieged by a group of antagonists led by the bitter, vengeful Anderson and the unscrupulous Gradbarr. These men, working for a rival interest, aim to steal the plans or sabotage the boat to prevent it from reaching the Navy. After a series of failed arson attempts and minor skirmishes at the shipyard, the heroes manage to finish the vessel. The launching is a success, and the Lockyer is officially christened, though the victory is tempered by the knowledge that the conspirators remain at large.

The central conflict intensifies when the inventors and the boys take the submarine on its maiden sea trials. During this time, the antagonists kidnap Mr. Lockyer, hoping to force him to sign over his patents to a foreign power. Ned and his friends, aided by an observant newspaper reporter, track the kidnappers through a series of coastal inlets. A tense rescue ensues, during which the boys secure the inventor and escape the villains’ motorboat, though the conspirators initially evade capture.

In the final movement of the book, the Lockyer becomes the target of a desperate, final sabotage attempt. The villains infiltrate the submarine disguised as survivors of a capsized catboat, bringing aboard an "infernal machine"—a box containing nitro-glycerine and a clockwork detonator. A desperate, hand-to-hand struggle breaks out in the engine room as Ned discovers the trap. The boys successfully disarm the bomb and subdue the infiltrators. The story reaches its climax when the Lockyer performs a final, flawless test, firing a live torpedo with a war head at a target. The book concludes with the boys decorated for their service, the shipyard flourishing under Sim’s management, and the heroes looking forward to their next assignment in the growing field of naval aviation.

How It Unfolds

The refusal of the bribe Channing Lockyer rejects a massive check from a corrupt competitor, cementing his loyalty to the United States Navy. This act of integrity immediately draws the ire of the villainous Jasper Ferriss and his associates.

The sabotaged shipyard The boys begin working on the secret submarine, but they must constantly defend the vessel from intruders. After an explosion rocks the torpedo room, the boys realize they are locked in a dangerous struggle for the technology’s survival.

The triumphant launch After days of nonstop labor, the Lockyer slides into the water and is successfully christened. The crew prepares for the grueling sea trials, unaware that the villains are planning a more direct confrontation.

The kidnapping at sea The antagonists successfully abduct the inventor to coerce him into signing away his rights. The boys and a local reporter launch a daring pursuit, eventually locating the gang’s hideout on a secluded island.

The final confrontation In a climactic scene, the saboteurs sneak aboard the submarine under false pretenses. Ned discovers a ticking bomb, leading to a violent struggle that ends with the villains’ capture and the security of the ship.

The mission accomplished The crew successfully fires a live torpedo, proving the vessel's military viability to the government. The story ends with the boys receiving honorary medals and preparing for their next adventure in the skies.

The People

Ned Strong is the calm, observant protagonist whose quick thinking acts as the moral and tactical anchor for the team. He possesses a natural aptitude for leadership and a cool head under pressure, which frequently saves the group from disaster.

Herc, his partner, is his energetic, impulsive foil. Where Ned is cautious, Herc is eager for the fray, providing the muscle and the spirit required to survive their physical confrontations.

Channing Lockyer serves as the visionary intellectual. His dedication to his country and his invention creates the central conflict, as his refusal to sell out to private interests makes him a target for greed.

Old Tom Marlin is the classic "sea dog" mentor. He provides the necessary naval wisdom and a grounding, cynical perspective that keeps the younger boys focused on the realities of life at sea.

Anderson and Gradbarr are the primary antagonists, representing pure, unadulterated greed. They start as minor agitators at the shipyard and evolve into dangerous terrorists, yet they are ultimately undone by their own arrogance and the superior resourcefulness of the boys.

In Its Own Voice

Describing the intensity of the atmosphere inside the submarine during its first voyage, the narrator captures the feeling of navigating the dark, submerged depths:

It was an eerie, strange feeling, this, of steering such a craft through the inky expanse spread about.

When Ned discovers the sinister nature of the package brought aboard by the infiltrators, his quick actions prevent a tragedy:

In one corner was a tiny hammer, raised above what seemed to be a percussion cap. Below this cap was a thick, gelatinous-looking stuff.

What It's Really About

At its core, this is a story about the sanctity of the public good over private profit. The inventor’s steadfast refusal to accept a bribe from a "dastard" sets the standard for the heroes’ behavior throughout the book. Furthermore, it explores the transition into the modern industrial age, where bravery is no longer confined to the deck of a ship but extends into the engineering room. The book argues that true patriotism in the 20th century requires a synthesis of traditional sailorly courage and a sophisticated understanding of machinery. It questions whether the "old order" of maritime combat can keep pace with the rapid, terrifying advancements of science, ultimately suggesting that those who master technology with honor will define the future.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the history of juvenile fiction or the early, romanticized days of submarine warfare will find this a fascinating relic. It captures the specific "gee-whiz" excitement that accompanied the dawn of modern naval weaponry. The prose is earnest and moves with a brisk, episodic rhythm that makes it easy to read in short bursts.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the period-specific language and attitudes. The dialogue is heavily stylized—rife with "hurroos," "dastards," and "blooming dagos"—which may feel jarring or cartoonish to contemporary ears. Furthermore, the depiction of the "foreign" antagonists relies on the xenophobic tropes common in literature of the 1910s, which lack nuance and depth. The book does not pretend to be a psychological study; it is a straightforward, action-oriented adventure. If you appreciate the simplicity of a story where the lines between right and wrong are clearly drawn and where mechanical ingenuity saves the day, you will likely enjoy the brisk pace of the Dreadnought series. It is a time capsule of an era that believed science and duty were the twin pillars of progress.