Young Nelsons: Boy Sailors During the Napoleonic Wars

by D.A.B. Ronald

The fought like young Nelsons. The words of a schoolmaster, writing from aboard "HMS Mars" after the battle of Trafalgar, describing the valor of his pupils in the heat of battle. Made immortal by the novels of Patrick O'Brian, C. S. Forester and Alexander Kent, these boy sailors, alongside those of every other Royal Navy ship, had entered the British Navy to fight the French across every ocean of the world. There was a long-standing British tradition of children going to sea, of boys who volunteered to fight for Britain, and along the way found adventure, glory, wealth and fame. During the Napoleonic Wars, these children, some as young as eight or nine, were also fighting for the very survival of Britain. For twenty years, the image of young Nelsons on the frontline of war caught the imagination of the nation.
Drawing on many first-hand accounts, letters, poems and writings, this book tells the dramatic story of Britain's boy sailors during the Napoleonic Wars for the very first time.

ebook

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books looks at the boys who served with the British Navy, basically from 1794 until 1815. Some of the boys were recruited by the Marine Society, others attended the Portsmouth Naval Academy (later the Portsmouth Naval College). The former were generally poor or destitute; some were illiterate. The better-off boys started as Captain's servants, moving on to Midshipmen and on up the line.

The book looks in detail at what these youngsters endured from the horrors of battle, the consequences of injuries, and the desire for Prize Money. It is an eye-opening view of the 'wooden walls' which served Britain so well.