Loblolly boy

Wanted: a young boy to serve as the loblolly boy aboard the newly constructed warship, HMS Victory.

Loblolly is a thick porridge, sometimes containing a bit of meat or some vegetables, given to the sick. Among much else, it is the loblolly boy's job to feed this dainty dish to ailing seamen on board ships.

As assistant to the ship's surgeon, you will ideally have a wide range of skills. Duties will include the issue of all supplies, provisions and hospital stores, and cleaning the cockpit (an area below deck near the stern of the ship) and all the medical equipment.

During operations, you will be responsible for providing charcoal to heat the irons used to sear amputated stumps and for heating the tar applied to stop haemorrhages. You may also be asked to gather up the severed limbs and throw them overboard. In the hierarchy of the ship, you will be somewhere between the cabin boy and a ship's rat – but then, the only way is up!

Tasks & duties

• Feeding ill crewmen.
• Assisting with medical procedures.
• Disposing of spare body bits.
• General cleaning duties.

Personal requirements

• Stock-taking skills.
• Cleaning and cooking skills.
• Nursing and surgical skills.
• A strong stomach and steady nerve.