Britain, more than any other naval power, had honed the skills needed for amphibious warfare; drawing lessons from failures earlier in the century against the Spanish and French, the navy had developed specialized landing craft, combat loading and command procedures, fleet organization, naval gunfire and logistical support, and the reconnaissance of hostile shores. Assaults against Louisbourg, various Caribbean islands, the French coast, and a masterful operation at Quebec in 1759 all helped make Long Island look simple, although the Sullivan’s Island debacle was a reminder that much could go
...more
