Nelson to Vanguard is the third volume in D K Brown’s bestselling series on warship design and development looks at the Royal Navy’s response to the restrictions placed on it by the Washington Naval Treaties in the inter-war years, and analyses the fleet that was constructed to fight the Second World War. He focusses on the principal pre-war developments such as the first purpose-built aircraft carriers and the growing perception of the threat of air attack to warships. All the wartime construction programmes are covered, such as the massive expansion in escort ships to counter the U-boat menace, and the development of the amphibious warfare fleet for the D-Day landings in 1944. Full analysis is also provided of the experience of wartime damage, as well as the once top secret pre- and post-war damage trials. Illustrated throughout with a superb collection of contemporary photographs and numerous line drawings, this now classic work is required reading for naval historians and enthusiasts.

An illustrated history and analysis of the Royal Navy’s warships before and during WWII—their design, development, and adaptation to new threats. Nelson to Vanguard, the third volume in D.K. Brown’s bestselling series on warship design and development, looks at the Royal Navy’s response to the restrictions placed on it by the Washington Naval Treaties in the interwar years, and analyzes the fleet that was constructed to fight the Second World War. The author focuses on the principal prewar developments, such as the first purpose-built aircraft carriers and the growing perception of the threat of air attack to warships. All the wartime construction programs are covered, such as the massive expansion in escort ships to counter the U-boat menace, and the development of the amphibious warfare fleet for the D-Day landings in 1944. Full analysis is also provided of the experience of wartime damage, as well as the once top secret pre- and postwar damage trials. Illustrated throughout with a superb collection of contemporary photographs and numerous line drawings, this now classic work is an essential read for naval historians and enthusiasts.

Despite the many celebrated victories of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars, 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.

- The ultimate source book on the life and times of Britain's greatest naval hero - Includes the latest findings and controversies surrounding the famous admiral - Provides an ideal introduction to the world of the Royal Navy at the pinnacle of its success

From his first dramatic initiatives at the Battle of St. Vincent in 1797 to his last battle at Trafalgar in 1805, Horatio Nelson was a force to be reckoned with and a hero to his countrymen. This illuminating study of the battles that played such an important role in Napoleon's defeat also takes a close look at the admiral's art of naval warfare. It shows that Nelson was quick to adapt new ideas and technical developments. This prowess, and a remarkable ability to lead and a genius for making decisive moves, made him the consummate master of naval warfare. This newly revised edition provides the most up-to-date analysis of Nelson's victories available.

While there is a perennial interest in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic wars and in Nelson himself, there is no reference work that chronicles all the captains of his ships, their social origins, their characters and the achievements in their lives beyond their service under Nelson. This new book, researched and written by distinguished historians, descendants of some of Nelson's officers, and members of the 1805 Club, presents concise biographies of those officers who fought with Nelson in his three great battles, with superb colour illustration throughout. Nelson first gave the name of 'band of brothers' to the officers who had commanded ships of his fleet at the battle of the Nile (1798). This new volume will include 100 officers, ranging from lieutenants in command of gunboats at the battle of Copenhagen (1801) through captains of line-of- battle ships at the Nile and at Trafalgar (1805), to admirals in command of squadrons in his fleets. Of real significance are the specially commissioned photographs of all the monuments and memorials to Nelson's captains, descriptions with transcriptions of epitaphs, and clear directions to enable the readers to find them. Part travel book, part biography and moving testimony to Nelson's faithful captains, Nelson's band of Brothers presents the opportunity to rediscover 100 local heroes.

Britain's great Ships of the Line -- their armament, their commanders, and the daily life of the men who served on them.

In 1798 Napoleon Bonaparte, who was all but Master of Europe, assembled a formidable expeditionary force at Toulon. While its purpose was unknown there was every reason to believe that Great Britain was its destination and the Nation was on invasion alert.??The overwhelming British priority was for a fleet to be assembled and sent to the Mediterranean to destroy this threat before the French force could set sail.??The burning issue was which of four Royal Naval flag officers should command this vital mission? The strong field in order of seniority was Admiral The Earl St Vincent, Rear Admirals Sir William Parker, Sir John Orde and Sir Horatio Nelson. The choice of Nelson who went on the win the Battle of Nice provoked great anger and even a challenge by Orde for a duel, only prevented buy the King's intervention.??Nelson's and Orde's acrimonious relationship erupted in the months before the Battle of Trafalgar and is well documented in this fascinating book.