Warfare Essay Plans Flashcards
How far do you agree that British naval superiority over the French in the years 1793 to 1815 was due to technical advances rather than brilliant leadership?
Yes: Coppering of hulls made English ships more seaworthy and faster especially after months blockading French ports because it prevented the attack of shipworm and the build up of weeds. It was introduced in 1779. Corrosion of the iron bolts which were used remained a problem until a suitable alloy was found and in 1786 the decision was made to re-bolt every ship despite the enormous cost. Rear Admiral Sir Charles Douglas (d.1789) introduced the flintlock mechanism rather than matches with which to fire the canons which made gunnery more reliable and accurate
Leadership: Nelson at the Battle of Cape St Vincent in 1797 pushed his ship, HMS Captain, out of line to get at the Spanish and force a pell-mell battle. In the ensuing struggle he captured two ships by first boarding one and then going front it onto the other!
Nelson at the Battle of the Nile in 1798 countered the French tactic of Fighting at Anchor by dividing his fleet and sending each half down one side of the enemy formation thereby catching them in a cross-fire with devastating effects
Nelson at the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801 ignored the orders of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker to withdraw, putting the telescope to his eye patch, and persisted winning a notable victory over the Danes
