The Frigates (Wordsworth Military Library) (Paperback)

French-speaking Liutenant Edward Coles, spotted while returning from a clandestine mission ashore in Toulon, being pursued by half a dozen broadsides from a French frigate as he scampers from rock to rock along the beach.

Midshipman William Smith leading four men to swarm along entangled yards from one ship to the other to clear the marines from the enemy maintop by cutlass.

A sixteen man boarding party against a crew of almost 400 men, including soldiers, clearing the fo'c'sle of opposition and then charging aft to clear the quarterdeck before their supporting forces arrive.

While lashing together the two ships preparatory to boarding Mr Stevens, the SHANNONS Boatswain, is attacked by the defenders. His left arm is eventually hacked off by repeated cutlass strokes as he works, but he goes on to finish the job with his right hand before being cut down by musket fire.

The timely arrival of surgeon of the SURPRISE, John M'Mullen (who had no possible business to be commanding a boat in a cutting-out action) saving the battle.

The FISGUARD, having been badly knocked about in the rigging by the gunfire from a French frigate, re-rigging almost the whole ship in three quarters of an hour. As if that isn't incredible enough she then pursues the escaping frigate and re-engages the enemy until colours are struck and the ship taken.

Great reading.

Always, the smaller ships of the Royal Navy, Frigates, Sloops and Brigs have historically been assigned the some of the Royals Navy's most important tasks without ever receiving the glory - something that was always reserved for much bigger warships. Nevertheless, in the days of Nelson an adventurous and ambitious young commander could easily make his name by providing the Admiral with the most important news regarding enemy fleet movements and, at other times, quite often take enough prizes to set themselves up for life.

A well-written book in which the author recounts many of the battles fought by these vessels, what I found particularly interesting was the historical facts about each specific ship. I do believe this aspect of the work will prove to be a great boon for those involved with research.

Altogether, a good read and something of a bargain as well.

NM

The frigates, the backbone of the fleet, are described in sufficient detail to understand what happened. We learn about their design and construction, their crews and how they were managed and motivated, the tactics they employed, and the overall strategy which directed them. This is excellent.

However, most of the book is devoted to accounts of individual naval actions. These involved great personal courage and amazing resourcefulness. Unfortunately, after the first half dozen battles have been described, it becomes repetitive, as one French ship after another is taken, another British Captain is deservedly knighted, and prize money is distributed.

The book adds to the enjoyment of Patrick O'Brian and Forester, but, in itself, is much less exciting.