The Frigates

by Henderson, James

• ISBN13: 9781844153015
• ISBN10: 1844153010
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-11-30
• Publisher: Pen & Sword

Summary

Admiral Nelson's most frequent cry was for more frigates. Though not ships of the line these fast and powerful warships were the 'eyes of the fleet'. They enabled admirals to find where the enemy lay and his likely intentions, as well as patrolling vital trade routes and providing information from far-flung colonies. Together with their smaller cousins, the sloops and brigs of the Royal Navy, they performed a vital function. Generally commanded by ambitious young men, these were the ships that could capture enemy prizes and earn their officers and men enough prize-money to set them up for life. The fictional characters Horatio Hornblower and Jack Aubrey hardly surpassed some of the extraordinary deeds of derring-do and tragedy described in these pages. Originally published in two volumes, this book is a bargain for all who want the factual low-down on the Brylcreem Boys of Nelson's navy.

Table of Contents

Author's notes	9	(4)
Foreword	13	(85)
1 The Frigates	15	(11)
2 Success story	26	(19)
3 Mutiny and retribution	45	(12)
4 Invasion	57	(3)
5 The East India Station: the Far East	60	(8)
6 The East India Station: Bay of Bengal	68	(7)
7 Inglorious defeat	75	(6)
8 Successful defeat	81	(6)
9 The young star-captains	87	(11)
10 The last Viking	98	(20)
11 Prize money	118	(9)
12 Squadron action	127	(11)
13 The big frigates	138	(16)
14 Challenge encounter	154	(8)
15 South Pacific	162	(6)
16 Shipwreck	168	(10)
Glossary	178	(1)
Appendix 1 Notes on the Plates	179	(3)
Appendix 2 Tonnage	182	(1)
Tables	183	(4)
Index	187