Nelson's Navy

Osprey Elite #48

by Philip J. Haythornthwaite, Bill Younghusband (Illustrations)

Despite the many celebrated victories of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815), the role of the Royal Navy should never be overlooked. The 'wooden walls' formed the country's first and most important line of defence, and ranged throughout the world to protect Britain's trade-routes and in support of the land forces and overseas possessions. This book covers the huge variations in uniforms not just in the Navy but the Royal Marines and Infantry regiments which served alongside naval crews. It also looks at the organisation, training and recruitment of the force and corrects a number of misconceptions regarding impressment and training.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Naval History, Military History, Nautical, 19th Century, 18th Century

64 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 1993

About the author

Philip J. Haythornthwaite (born 1951) is an internationally respected and prolific author and historical consultant specializing in military history, uniforms and equipment. Whilst his main area of research is the Napoleonic Wars, his impressive list of publications covers a much wider range of periods from the English Civil War until WWI.

Reviews

[Jon Gautier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Osprey, you know what you are getting. Nice detailed reference for uniforms, weapons, equipment, and practice. Great illustrations. Nice for the coffee table.

[Matthew Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable coverage particularly of the uniforms of this crucial era in Royal Navy and British history, but particularly notable for some excellent notes on the wider politics of 'the service', such a the huge amount of the national budget the Royal Navy commanded, the relatively tiny Whitehall presence that managed this huge national effort and the effect of patronage on careers.