Published by Cassell in 2000, War at Sea in the Ironclad Age is one of those hardback books full of colour plates.
That might imply that it is a lightweight – “coffee table” book. For a landlubber like me it was an excellent introduction into a period of history I have had little interest in before.
Roughly covering 1850 to 1900 it charts the development of the Ironclad – the transition from wooden sailing ships to the 20th century “Dreadnaught”.
My initial interest was through this years main project – The Wars of Italian Unification eventually concluded in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian war. Before that the Austrians and Italians had already fought one significant naval action in the Adriatic, the battle of Lissa in 1866. It was notable for poor management and control rather than any technology on show.
At the battle of Lissa the Italians had the only “turret” ship present, in the brand new British built “Affondatore” that also had an enormous front ram hull design.
The Italian “Affondatore” (roughly meaning the “sinker”) when presented with an opportunity to ram the Austrian “Kaiser” failed to do so. The Austrian Flagship “Ferdinand Max” rammed the “Re d’Italia” sinking her immediately (technically the Italian flagship, although the Admiral had already decamped to the “Affondatore”).
The period saw technology rapidly change – submarines, torpedoes and heavy guns in revolving turrets all made their appearance. The American Civil War showed off the sleek “Monitors” of inshore/river warfare.
Lots to consider and what I found helpful was that the book is full of useful information tightly presented – even if often repeated in different ways. This helped and the use of coloured maps with 3D ships showing phases of key actions also helped in my understanding.
The Author Richard Hill – a retired Rear Admiral – addressed a new period for himself as well, thanking John Keegan the series editor for the opportunity. Just maybe the freshness of the words, to me, reflect his new enthusiasm for this period in history.
I obtained the book from Dave Lanchester, who suggested it, when I was seeking a book about mid 19th century european naval warfare.
Dave has no website but is easily contacted – details below.
https://sherburn-in-elmet.cylex-uk.co.uk/company/david-lanchester%27s-military-books-23001504.html
Thanks Dave.
The Wargaming Erratic 