Publisher's Synopsis
The first account of Britain's convoys during the Napoleonic Wars-showing how the protection of trade played a decisive role in victory
During the Napoleonic Wars thousands of merchant ships crisscrossed narrow seas and wide oceans, protected by Britain's warships. These were wars of attrition and raw materials had to reach their shores continuously: timber and hemp from the Baltic, sulfur from Sicily, and saltpeter from Bengal. Britain's fate rested on the strength of its economy-and convoys played a vital role in securing victory.
Leading naval historian Roger Knight examines how convoys ensured the protection of trade and transport of troops, allowing Britain to take the upper hand. Detailing the many hardships these ships faced, from the shortage of seaman to the vicissitudes of the weather, Knight sheds light on the innovation and seamanship skills that made convoys such an invaluable tool in Britain's arsenal. The convoy system laid the foundation for Britain's narrow victory over Napoleon and his allies in 1815 and, in doing so, established its naval and mercantile power at sea for a hundred years.
'Convoys is a joy to read, but joy is tinged with horror. Knight describes the nature of life on the convoys in intricate detail, but always in simple, accessible prose. Points are made through delightfully allegorical anecdotes, rather than cumbersome argument. We feel the waves, smell the sea, rub shoulders with long-suffering seamen. All that’s missing is a pint of warm ale. Knight even makes the subject of maritime insurance fascinating, which I didn’t realise was possible. Suffice to say that Lloyd’s had too much power in this war and did not use it beneficently. That’s just one small detail in this delightful book, but it reveals Knight’s talent as a storyteller. I’ve never been a great fan of naval histories, yet I adored this book.' — Gerard DeGroot, The Times
“Outstanding. Roger Knight brilliantly tells the forgotten story that underpinned Britain’s survival and ultimate victory in the war against Napoleon. Authoritative and original, this will appeal to all readers with an interest in the Napoleonic Wars.” — Rory Muir, author of Wellington: The Path to Victory 1769-1814
