Judy Pearson

Trafalgar Chronicle

The Trafalgar Chronicle is the publication of choice for new, scholarly research about the Georgian Navy, sometimes called ‘Nelson’s Navy’; the journal’s scope, however, includes all the sailing navies of the period 1714 to 1837. This year’s volume includes three articles on highly original topics. First, an analysis of the various swords the Duke of Clarence gave as gifts to Royal Navy officers. Second, is a deeply researched piece into early nineteenth-century court records to document the many incarnations of a Royal Navy schooner, Whiting, which, after capture by a French privateer in the War of 1812, became, herself, a privateer and a pirate ship. The last of three articles in this section gives an analysis of what Nelson thought of privateers, especially after the French xebec L’Esperance took his cutter Swift as a prize. To recognise the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Swedish Navy, there are included three articles from a new compilation The Baltic Cauldron, a collection of papers on the Swedish Navy, from 1522 to the present. It includes a piece by Christer Hägg, former captain in the Royal Swedish Navy and an accomplished maritime artist whose painting graces the cover of this edition. Readers will also find outstanding biographical portraits. First, there is a recounting of Charles Cunningham’s daring decisions and steely resolve when he extricated his ship, HMS Clyde, from the heated Nore Mutiny. Another article describes the parallel and contemporary naval service exploits of Admirals Rodney and Kempenfelt, who were actually distant cousins of one another. The final biographical paper takes readers to Bermuda where a twenty-first century archeological dig found the remains of Captain Sir Jacob Wheate, who commanded the ill-fated Fifth Rate frigate HMS Cerberus. Authors in this volume reside in six countries: UK, US, India, Australia, Canada, and Sweden. Through extensive research, they tell dramatic stories of mutiny, piracy, privateering, battles at sea, diplomacy, international alliances, victory and advancement, loss and defeat, all in the quest for sea power. Handsomely illustrated throughout, this issue will make a fascinating and admired addition to any naval library. 'Well written, well researched, well-illustrated, this is a publication that will both delight and inform. A most enjoyable read.’ D J Paul in Naval Review