Jack Nastyface: Memoirs of an English Seaman (Bluejacket Books)

First published in 1836, this was one of the very first authentic accounts of life in the Nelsonic navy from the viewpoint of the common sailor. William Robinson, whose pseudonym may well have been his lower-deck nickname, volunteered for naval service in May 1805. This was in itself unusual at the time, but, rather more true to form, he eventually deserted in 1811. In his six years as an ordinary seaman he saw much action, including fighting at Trafalgar in the 74-gun Revenge, when he was involved with the celebrated rescue of Jeanette, the French woman plucked naked from the sea. He was also present at the attack on the French fleet at Basque Roads, the ill-fated expedition to Walcheren and was later on a ship carrying men and supplies to Wellington in the Peninsula. These 'forecastle recollections' also tell us much about the everyday routine of shipboard life and, in particular, the fierce disciplinary regimes, with its range of draconian punishments.