The Star Captains: Frigate Command in the Napoleonic Wars - Hardcover

Tom Wareham (author)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1557508712 ISBN 13: 9781557508713

Publisher: Naval Institute Press, 2001

Synopsis

Novelists from C. S. Forester to Patrick O'Brian have glorified Nelson's dashing frigate captains, but how much of their story is true? The author of this new volume on the nature of frigate command argues that the legend was very close to reality. Based on detailed studies of the appointments, training, and promotion of the Royal Navy's officer corps, he contends that frigate commanders were an elite group whose careers followed separate paths from their contemporaries. They exhibited specific and highly prized skills that were rewarded with fast-track promotions and resulted in the creation of one of the most successful military cadres in history. Often facing daunting odds, these frigate captains won the vast majority of their battles and a place in maritime lore. This book is a fascinating contribution to the broader understanding of the workings of Nelson's navy and will appeal to enthusiasts and historians alike.

About this title

Synopsis

The officer corps of the Royal Navy during the long wars of 1793-1815 was among the most successful military cadres in history, winning the vast majority of its battles, and often in the face of daunting odds. But the general competence of the profession disguised the existence of officer specialisations, of whom the most glamorous and high-profile group were undoubtedly the frigate captains. Over the centuries the idea grew up that these were not only different, but also better than the majority of their fellows. Because independent action and rugged individualism were essential to their stories, it is not surprising that naval novelists did much to foster this image. But is it true? This book looks at the nature of frigate command, asks important questions about how and why such officers were appointed, what was expected of them, and how they were rewarded. The picture that emerges is one of conscious selection and 'fast-track' promotion - not merely young men serving an apprenticeship before moving on to the command of a battleship, but a real elite with specific and highly prized skills. For the first time it reveals that the romanticised image portrayed in the novels of C.S.

Forester and Patrick O'Brian was indeed close to the truth - frigate captains were outstanding officers, whose careers followed separate paths from their less talented contemporaries.

About the Author

Tom Wareham is a curator at London's Museum of Docklands. This his first book is based on the research undertaken some years ago for his PhD thesis.

Edition details

• Publisher: Naval Institute Press
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1557508712
• ISBN 13: 9781557508713
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 200