Rocks and Shoals

Posted by Bruce Kahl on November 19, 2000

In Reply to: Rocks and Shoals posted by Erin on November 19, 2000

: I know "Rocks and shoals" has something to do with the harshness of military (British Naval?) justice. Does anyone know the origin?

Articles for the Government of the United States Navy

Article 4
The punishment of death, or such other punishment as a court martial may adjudge, may be inflicted on any person in the naval service who:

.....intentionally or willfully suffers any vessel of the Navy to be stranded, or run upon rocks or shoals, or improperly hazarded or maliciously or willfully injures any vessel of the Navy, or any part of her tackle, armament, or equipment, whereby the safety the vessel is hazarded or the lives of the crew exposed to danger.