Number 31 in the 'Battle Orders' series is this one on the Royal Navy. It was during this period with wars against France, Spain and the United States that the Royal Navy reached ascendancy on the seas that was to remain for a century.

Much of this had to do with the need for the United Kingdom to keep the sea lanes open for trade. In part to export British goods but more importantly, to allow unfettered imports from Britain's possessions overseas.

There is probably no better time in nautical history to look at one of the world's super-powers as much of the nautical doctrine that was to last until the 1950s was formulated during this period. The book looks at the make-up of the British fleets during several times over the 22 years of this book as it waxed and waned, depending on the international situation. It was its strongest and largest at the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

Throughout the book we learn of the many weapons and ship types employed. Those of us who are less than knowledgeable about a lot of nautical terms will learn from whence they came as well as to the meanings of many weapons names. The book covers the various luminaries of the period, including, of course, Lord Nelson and his contemporaries. We learn how the various ships were built and a lot about the men who (often unwillingly) crewed them. I found the description of the various sailors' roles to be quite enlightening as I'd always wondered what 'idlers' were and now I know.

In addition to the makeup of the fleets, the men who sailed the ships and the way they were built, there are a goodly number of major fleet actions described in the book as well. Some of them, like Trafalgar and the Battle of the Nile are well known to history buffs. Others, as Finnestere and the Gulf of Genoa are not and information regarding these actions is also included in the book.

Overall this is a most impressive book and probably one of the best of the Battle Orders series. One that I can most highly recommend to you and one I know you will find enlightening and enjoyable.

December 2007

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