Lifeboat 12

Throughout the novel, Hood highlights Ken’s coming-of-age process, particularly through the difficulties he faces. Even as the novel opens, Ken is no stranger to struggle. He never had the opportunity to know his biological mother, and the war has shaped his childhood and taught him what it means to live simply. He must make his own toys, pitch in with family chores like gardening, and accept the “make do and mend” (12) mentality of wartime. Ken’s father sees the evacuation as an opportunity for Ken to make his own way in the world, and although it takes a while for him to come around, Ken soon sees the excitement in the opportunity as well. At age 13, Ken is in limbo between boyhood and manhood; he is no longer a child, but not yet an adult. However, the experience of leaving his family to evacuate on the SS City of Benares, and the subsequent survival situation aboard Lifeboat 12, shape Ken into a confident and independent young man.

Once on the Benares, Ken takes opportunities to lead by taking care of others. As one of the older boys in the group of children, he recognizes the importance of doing his part to watch over the younger boys. When the torpedo hits, he encourages the boys in his cabin to stay calm, reassuring them and projecting confidence that they know what to do and where to go. This crisis shows Ken to be a leader. He has no one else to rely on during the moments after the torpedo hits, so he takes on the responsibility of leading himself and others.

When on Lifeboat 12, Ken constantly must choose between giving in to self-pity and fear or staying optimistic and encouraging others. The majority of the time, he chooses the latter, acting as a sort of morale leader among the boys on the lifeboat. He can see when other passengers on the boat are losing hope and speaks out to encourage them or asks how he can help. Ken also encourages Mary to continue her story to the boys when he sees their spirits are low, and he helps her pick up the story when she struggles to continue due to thirst and fatigue. Hood also shows that Ken is confident in his knowledge of planes, and this knowledge leads to Lifeboat 12’s rescue. Ken knows he sees a plane and recognizes from its sound that it’s a British Royal Air Force aircraft. Even though the adults encourage caution, Ken’s confidence saves the group.

By the novel’s conclusion, Ken recognizes that he has changed. He has a new perspective of himself and is unafraid of the unknowns in his future. Even when his parents don’t come to Scotland to pick him up, Ken chooses not to let this discourage him; instead, he sees it as an opportunity to flex his newfound independence and character. The Epilogue indicates that three years after his experience aboard Lifeboat 12, Ken has completed his coming-of-age process. He is now a man and old enough to decide to join the Royal Navy. In choosing to join the war effort over his own safety and comfort, Ken proves himself as an unselfish person. Ken’s experiences aboard the Benares and Lifeboat 12 helped to shape his character. Through this ordeal, he found confidence, strength, and an understanding of the importance of community and helping others.