Forester did not give a date of birth for Bush: indeed, Bush's age changes over the course of the novels. Bush is first described as being a few years older than Hornblower (similar to an older brother), but is later described as ten years older. There is also inconsistency with the length of Bush and Hornblower's friendship: statements in the first novel imply that Bush only met Hornblower with the commission of "Lydia", which was overwritten by "Lieutenant Hornblower". Nevertheless, Forester does portray Bush consistently as a character who is wistfully protective of his younger friend.