Frigate Commander; non fiction, Napoleonic War period

[druxey]

Euryalus. Naiad. Brisk. Melampus. Familiar names such as these appear in the chronicle of one man's experience during the Napoleonic Wars. Based on Captain Graham Moore's (1764-1843) personal journals written on board, Tom Wareham has painted a compelling picture of the triumphs and frustrations of a rising Naval officer during a critical period of history. This page-turning story follows Moore from his time as Lieutenant on smuggling patrol to captain with seniority in a 74. His personal thoughts, including a fated love affair, are recorded, as well as various actions both great and small.

 

Only one unfortunate 'oopsie' that was overlooked in proofreading: page 117; substitute 'shrouds' for 'ratlines' and the sentence will make sense! Otherwise, a rattling good read.

 

Thoroughly recommend for anyone interested in this time period. Frigate Commander by Tom Wareham, published by Pen and Sword Books, U.K. in paperback.

 

 

[Ian_Grant]

While searching for this, also came across "Commander" by Stephen Taylor. This is about the real-life Edward Pellew and his exploits in "Indefatigable". Obviously I have not read it, yet, but it seems highly rated.

[Jasseji]

Surely something to add to the Library, thanks for the tips

[Ian B]

I have read both these, and they a very good read

[Ian B]

This is the best all round book on ships and battles of the period I have found and I have read many!-- it is a who's who of most of the ship names we see on here and what they did in a simple readable form

 

[bruce d]

David and Ian, I have just ordered two new titles. Many thanks.  👍

[Ian_Grant]

Three titles so far.......

 

But look at this:

 

https://www.abebooks.com/9781503254336/Frigate-Commander-Supplement-Wareham-Tom-150325433X/plp

[druxey]

Hah! Thank you for this , Ian. More fascinating views of the time through Graham Moore's eyes. Another book purchase, I fear!

[dvm27]

Thanks for the book recommendation, Druxey. I am very much enjoying the read on my Kindle.

 

Of interest to this forum will be the fact that Moore's first command was aboard the Bonetta, a 14 gun  Swan class sloop of war. It was launched in 1779 and broken up in 1792. She's not one of the Swan class I've seen modeled though as no plans of her exist.

[Ian_Grant]

I've finally realized why "Capt Graham Moore" seemed familiar.

 

In "Hornblower and the Hotspur", Admiral Cornwallis detaches five ships to intercept the Spanish treasure flota under the command of Capt Graham Moore in "Indefatigable".  Looking forward to reading about it when my copy of the book arrives.

 

Presume he was the soldier John Moore's brother..........

[druxey]

Yes, John was Graham's brother. Well spotted!

[Ian_Grant]

My book about Pellew has arrived. After more than 40 years of reading Hornblower I am still unsure how to pronounce his name.

 

Is it Pell-ewe, or Pe-loo?  🤓

[Jasseji]

4 minutes ago, Ian_Grant said:

My book about Pellew has arrived. After more than 40 years of reading Hornblower I am still unsure how to pronounce his name.

 

Is it Pell-ewe, or Pe-loo?  🤓

My copy of the book Was apparently lost by Amazon

[druxey]

Pell-ewe!

[mtaylor]

1 hour ago, druxey said:

Pell-ewe!

Being in the enlisted ranks, we would have just called him "sir".  LOL.