The Navy Flashcards
What was the primary role of the British navy during the overseas campaign?
Support British overseas campaign, transport soldiers and supplies, blockade French ports, protect merchant vessels, protect homewaters, attack the French navy
How many vessels and crew did the British navy have?
661 vessels, 100,000 total crew
What were the living conditions like for sailors in the British navy?
Damp and cramped conditions in hammocks
What was the ratio of men who died of disease to those who died in battle?
40 men died of disease for every 1 man that died in battle
What improvements were made to the British navy before the war?
Using fir wood to replace rotten timbers, coopering to avoid barnacles
What factors contributed to the strengths of the British navy?
- Wealthy
- Sufficient manpower
- Discipline and teamwork
- Strong tactics
- Skilled and experienced commanders
- Ability to take enemy vessels
- Quick repairs
- Ability to deal with mutinies
Who was Lord Horatio Nelson and what was his reputation?
Seen as a ‘lucky commander’, gained prize money, aimed for annihilation of the enemy
What was Lord Collingwood’s role during the Battle of Trafalgar?
Vice admiral, commanded a line
What was naval life like ?
Sailors had a daily alcohol allowance, lived in cramped conditions, those who weren’t disciplined were whipped, those who were drunk, insolent and not considered hard working would get flogged and lived in unsanitary conditions
What was weaponary like ?
Over 200 men on gundeck, there were guns and cannons used
