Conway's Compass Series integrates an original narrative with quotations from documents and eyewitnesses, and reproductions of contemporary illustrations or photographs to provide an authoritative account of an historical event or topic. This eclectic approach offers both the perspective of hindsight, placing actions in context, and the immediacy of being present as the events unfold. These are not only described, but also explained, in the words of historians and participants. In addition to the narrative and the documentary excerpts, sidebars and boxed-out sections deal with specific themes, such as the biographies of important individuals and comparisons with similar events in history. The list of subjects planned for inclusion in this series range across the whole spectrum of maritime history. They include nautical tragedies, voyages of exploration, single actions or whole naval campaigns, and themes of naval science. The first 10 planned titles are: The Spanish Armada; The Voyages of Cook; The Titanic Tragedy; The Mutiny on the Bounty; The Bismarck Chase; Iwo Jima; Polar Exploration; Naval Battles of the Civil War; Pirates; and The Campaign and Battle of Trafalgar.

BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR (Conway Compass)

History

Robson, Martin

Military

Conway Maritime

In the maelstrom of Napoleonic Europe, Britain remained defiant, resisting French imperial ambitions. This Anglo-French rivalry was, essentially, a politico-economic conflict for pre-eminence fought on a global scale and it reached a zenith in 1806-1808 with France's apparent dominance of Continental Europe. Britain reacted swiftly and decisively to implement maritime-based strategies to limit French military and commercial gains in Europe, while protecting British overseas interests. The policy is particularly evident in relations with Britain's 'Ancient Ally': Portugal. That country and, by association her South American empire, became the front line in the battle between Napoleon's ambitions and British maritime security. Shedding new light on British war aims and maritime strategy, this is an essential work for scholars of the Napoleonic Wars and British political, diplomatic, economic and maritime/military history.

Britain, Portugal and South America in the Napoleonic Wars: Alliances and Diplomacy in Economic Maritime Conflict

Europe

Bloomsbury Academic

The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars were the first truly global conflicts. The Royal Navy was a key player in the wider wars and, for Britain, the key factor in her eventual emergence as the only naval power capable of sustained global hegemony. The most iconic battles of any era were fought at sea during these years - from the Battle of the Nile in 1798 to Nelson's momentous victory at Trafalgar in October 1805. In this period, the Navy had reached a peak of efficiency and was unrivalled in manpower and technological strength. The eradication of scurvy in the 1790s had a significant impact on the health of sailors and, along with regular supplies of food and water, gave the British an advantage over their rivals in battle. As well as naval battles, the Navy also undertook amphibious operations, capturing many of France's Caribbean colonies and Dutch colonies in the East Indies and Ceylon; this Imperial dimension was integral to British strength and counteracting French success on continental Europe. This book looks at the history of the Royal Navy during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, 1793-1815, from a broad perspective, examining the strategy, operations and tactics of British seapower. While it delves into the details of Royal Navy operations such as battle, blockade, commerce protection and exploration, it also covers a myriad of other aspects often overlooked in narrative histories such as the importance of naval logistics, transport, relations with the army and manning. An assessment of key naval figures and combined eyewitness accounts situate the reader firmly in Nelson's navy. Through an exploration of the relationship between the Navy, trade and empire, Martin Robson highlights the contribution Royal Navy made to Britain's rise to global hegemony through the nineteenth century Pax Britannica.

A History of the Royal Navy: Napoleonic Wars

The Avro Lancaster was the RAF's most famous and successful heavy bomber of the Second World War. Used predominantly at night, 'Lancs' dropped 608,612 tons of bombs in 156,000 sorties in the period 1942-1945. Some of these missions were incredibly daring – notably the 'dambusters' raid of 617 squadron on the Ruhr valley dams in May 1943. The success of such operations was testament both to the rugged, reliable qualities of this amazing aircraft and the bravery and skill of the pilots, navigators, bombardiers, flight engineers and gunners that crewed it. They relied on their training and experience, supplemented by various pamphlets and manuals that were produced throughout the war. Supplemented with illustrative plans and diagrams, this fascinating pocket manual provides a unique insight into the wartime operation of this famous aircraft.

The Lancaster Bomber Pocket Manual: 1941-1945

Osprey_Publishing

Developed in 1938 from a Schneider trophy-winning design by the aeronautical engineer and designer R.J Mitchell, the Supermarine Spitfire went on to become the definitive Allied fighter of the Second World War, and ranks amongst the most famous aircraft of all time. This pocket manual presents an accessible collection of fascinating historical documents to help readers explore the technical and tactical developments relating to the design and use of this famous aircraft. Sources include the Air Ministry's original specification for a single-seater day and night fighter, handling trials of the Spitfire prototype K-5054, squadron fighting tactics, pilot's log books and pilot's notes for the Mark V, air group reports and tactical papers. Collectively these give a unique insight into the Spitfire, illustrating its durability and adaptability in performing many war-winning roles. With illustrations and an introduction by historian Martin Robson, The Spitfire Pocket Manual is an essential volume for any Spitfire enthusiast.

The Spitfire Pocket Manual: 1939-1945

As the crow flies'', ''chunder'', ''cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey'', ''three sheets to the wind'' - many terms like these are used in everyday English language conversation and writing. But how many landlubbers know that they derive from naval slang or know what the phrase originally referred to? The navy has helped to shape modern society. The navy is famous for its traditions, quirks and nuances. It is disinctly different to wider society and nowhere is this more evident than in language. The naval community once had its own language, incomprehensible to anyone who was not a sailor, which described and explained his unique world. But on shore leave these men introduced their language to the populations of bustling ports and harbours and the usage slowly spread inland. Today through the mediums of film, television and music, naval slang has been brought to the wider public and has become fully integrated into the English language to point where many phrases are used by people who have no concept of their meaning. Presenting terminology thematically, this book provides a compilation of naval slang throughout the world, from terms relating to ship-handling and seamanship through to food and drink, discipline and insults. The text is further enhanced with original black line drawings that illustrate certain technical terms, such as ''splice the mainbrace''.

Not Enough Room to Swing a Cat: Naval slang and its everyday usage

The Hawker Hurricane was a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd for the RAF. Although overshadowed by the Spitfire, during the Battle of Britain the Hurricane accounted for 60% of the RAF's air victories in the battle, and served in all the major theatres of the Second World War. The 1930s design evolved through several versions and adaptations, resulting in a series of aircraft that acted as interceptor-fighters, fighter-bombers (also called 'Hurribombers'), and ground support aircraft. Further versions known as the Sea Hurricane had modifications that enabled operation from ships. Some were converted as catapult-launched convoy escorts, known as 'Hurricats'. More than 14,583 Hurricanes were built by the end of 1944 (including at least 800 converted to Sea Hurricanes and some 1,400 built in Canada.
The book collates a variety of pamphlets and manuals on the plane that were produced throughout the war for the benefit of pilots and others associated with the aircraft.

The Hurricane Pocket Manual: All marks in service 1939–45

The de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito was a British multi-role combat aircraft with a two-man crew that served during and after the Second World War. It was one of few operational front-line aircraft of the era constructed almost entirely of wood and was nicknamed "The Wooden Wonder". The Mosquito was also known affectionately as the "Mossie" to its crews. Originally conceived as an unarmed fast bomber the Mosquito was adapted to a wide range of bombing roles. It was also used by BOAC as a fast transport to carry small high-value cargoes to, and from neutral countries through enemy controlled airspace.
The book collates a variety of pamphlets and manuals on the plane that were produced throughout the war for the benefit of pilots and others associated with the aircraft.

The Mosquito Pocket Manual: All marks in service 1941–1945

Reference

About the Author\nRobert Baden-Powell OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB was a lieutenant-general in the British Army, and, famously, the founder of the Scout Movement. He served in the British Army from 1876-1910 in India and Africa, and these experiences served as the basis for many of his writings on military tactics, training, doctrine and scouting techniques. His book Scouting for Boys is the fourth bestselling book of all time.\nMartin Robson is Senior Lecturer in Strategic Studies, Strategy and Security Institute, University of Exeter, UK.\nOsprey is proud to reissue this historically significant publication, which offers a unique insight into perceptions of how to wage war in 1914.\nIn this fascinating little book, Baden-Powell uses his extensive military experience and memories of service in Africa to distill soldiering down to 'the four C-s': Courage, Common sense, Cunning and Cheerfulness. With observations gleaned from his campaigns against the Zulus, the Ashanti and the Boers during the period 1876–1910 (and even from conversations with the German Kaiser), B-P discusses all aspects of military service from digging trenches and earth-works to "inculcating cheerfulness in your men." This period document gives a unique insight into the mindset of the British officer in 1914; advocating a training system that encapsulated Edwardian values,conventional military thinking and centuries of army tradition.\nQuick Training For War is a perfect example of the type of war the British expected to fight and which they prepared for in 1914, and it became a standard survival guide for many British troops. Personable in tone, this is the well-intentioned, no-nonsense advice of a seasoned campaigner - albeit an officer more accustomed to scouting on the South African veldt than struggling through Somme mud.

Quick Training for War

Baden-Powell, Robert

Many phrases in common use today, like "as the crow flies" and "three sheets to the wind," originated from naval slang. The writers, musicians, filmmakers, and TV personalities who adopt these phrases increasingly expose the public to the sailor's language, yet few are aware of the original meanings. This entertaining book provides a fascinating compilation of naval slang, ranging from terms describing ship handling and seamanship, to food and drink, to discipline and insults. The text is enhanced with original line drawings that illustrate the meaning of such nautical terms as "splice the mainbrace." The book draws on the rich linguistic heritage of both the British and American navies, known for their quirks and nuances as well as their traditions, to offer a work that will appeal to word lovers everywhere.

Not Enough Room to Swing a Cat: Naval Slang and It's Everyday Usage

Naval_Institute_Press

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