An illustrated history and analysis of the Royal Navy’s warships before and during WWII—their design, development, and adaptation to new threats. Nelson to Vanguard, the third volume in D.K. Brown’s bestselling series on warship design and development, looks at the Royal Navy’s response to the restrictions placed on it by the Washington Naval Treaties in the interwar years, and analyzes the fleet that was constructed to fight the Second World War. The author focuses on the principal prewar developments, such as the first purpose-built aircraft carriers and the growing perception of the threat of air attack to warships. All the wartime construction programs are covered, such as the massive expansion in escort ships to counter the U-boat menace, and the development of the amphibious warfare fleet for the D-Day landings in 1944. Full analysis is also provided of the experience of wartime damage, as well as the once top secret pre- and postwar damage trials. Illustrated throughout with a superb collection of contemporary photographs and numerous line drawings, this now classic work is an essential read for naval historians and enthusiasts.

The third volume in D K Brown's bestselling series on warship design and development looks at the Royal Navy's response to the restrictions placed on it by the Washington Naval Treaties in the inter-war years, and analyses the fleet that was constructed to fight the Second World War. He focusses on the principal pre-war developments such as the first purpose-built aircraft carriers and the growing perception of the threat of air attack to warships. All the wartime construction programs are covered, such as the massive expansion in escort ships to counter the U-boat menace, and the development of the amphibious warfare fleet for the D-Day landings in 1944. Full analysis is also provided of the experience of wartime damage, as well as the once top secret pre- and post-war damage trials. Illustrated throughout with a superb collection of contemporary photographs and numerous line drawings, this now classic work is required reading for naval historians and enthusiasts. "Yet another tour de force. Highly recommended." - Warship World "This is a truly magnificent effort, both in content and presentation." - Warship

Despite the many celebrated victories of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars, the role of the Royal Navy should never be overlooked. The 'wooden walls' formed the country's first and most important line of defence, and ranged throughout the world to protect Britain's trade-routes and in support of the land forces and overseas possessions. This book covers the huge variations in uniforms not just in the Navy but the Royal Marines and Infantry regiments which served alongside naval crews. It also looks at the organisation, training and recruitment of the force and corrects a number of misconceptions regarding impressment and training.

An account of the British naval commander's life and career explores his leadership style, his victory against the Spanish fleet at Cape St. Vincent, and his relationships with women and family members.

A gripping biography of Admiral Nelson, Napoleonic War hero and one of Britain’s greatest naval tacticians. In the Battle of Trafalgar, Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson sent the signal from his flagship HMS Victory, “England expects that every man will do his duty.” His defeat of the French that day in 1805 was a decisive turning point in the Napoleonic Wars, establishing British control of the seas. His death in that heroic battle gave those words immortal significance. For his bravery in battle and brilliance as a naval tactician, Admiral Nelson remains one of Britain’s most inspiring heroes. In this nuanced and lively biography, Ernle Bradford presents the man behind the legend. From his youthful days in the Royal Navy to his famous battles and scandalous personal life, Horatio Nelson is shown here in all his human complexity. “This skillful portrait . . . combines accessible naval history with a psychological examination of heroism.” —Kirkus Reviews