Our Sailors

British naval service during Queen Victoria's reign takes many forms in this historical account by William Henry Giles Kingston. Its opening moves from the capture of Aden in 1839 to operations along the coast of Syria in 1840, describing ships, commanders, landing parties and the practical hazards of attacks on fortified towns. Individual acts of courage receive close attention, including a dangerous effort to recover a flag left behind during a withdrawal.

The account also follows Arctic exploration, with ships searching for the missing crews of the Erebus and Terror. Icebound vessels, provision depots, messages left in cairns and the difficulty of sending help give these passages a different rhythm from the battle narratives. Readers interested in nineteenth-century naval history will find a patriotic British perspective that links military action with seamanship, endurance and resourcefulness. The contrast between coastal campaigns and polar hardship gives a broad view of the duties associated with the navy.