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It
is no exaggeration to say, that the Nautical Novel as we know it, would
not exist without Thomas Cochrane, the British Naval Officer whose
adventures the novels of Marryat, C. S. Forester and more recently,
Patrick O’Brien. Cochrane’s exploits excluded daring guerrilla raids
during the Napoleonic Wars and service to the Independence movements in
Greece, Chile, Peru and Brazil. Though second only to Lord Nelson as a Sea
Hero, he repeatedly crossed swords with his own government, leading to
scandal and imprisonment. Ultimately vindicated, he proved one of the
great innovators in military history, devising revolutionary tactics and
ship design. General Napoleon himself, a great admirer dubbed him he “Sea
Wolf” so great the exploits of our Thomas. In South America his successes
further spread his fame and there historians refer to him as the
“Lafayette of South America” Some of his ideas, and tactics ranged from
Commandos, Amphibious Warfare to designing and building the First
Operational Steam Powered Man-of-war which saw service. A leader whose
mere presence in major battles was enough to cause panic and surrender
when recognized. At home, a leader in England’s Suffrage Movement and
always a Champion for fair treatment. A fine biography of a larger than
life Figure.
Available at Common Reader at 1 800 832 7323, or
commonreader.com and,
Amazon.com at prices under $15.00. A Best Buy! A Great Scotsman!
Thanks to Chief Bill Blair for providing more current history and
background of Thomas’s family and the late Patrick O’Brien for his in
depth series based on Thomas life.
Howard MacCord (USNA Class 1959 and
Ocean Sailor of 25 years), USN Retired |
