? How did the Navy and the Marines come to be royal? ? Why was Samuel Pepys entrusted with professionalising the navy at the same time as writing his famous diary? ? What are the origins of everyday expressions like 'toeing the line', 'showing your true colours', and 'piping-hot food'? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this celebration of the oldest of the UK's armed services. Marvel at the magnificent vessels that have always been the backbone of the force, from the Tudor warship Mary Rose to the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, the largest warship ever built for the Royal Navy. Pay homage to the acclaimed naval heroes and the impressive battles that make up its illustrious history, from the Battle of Gravelines which saw off the Spanish Armada to the two world wars of the twentieth century and beyond, via the sea battles of the Napoleonic Wars. And learn about the remarkable people who serve in its ranks today as its beating heart, in roles as widespread as conflict-prevention, counter-narcotics, counter-piracy and humanitarian and disaster relief, who work to ensure that the senior service will retain its reputation for excellence for generations to come. AUTHOR: Ray Hamilton is a freelance writer and editor, whose lifelong passions are travel, languages and history. He has edited books on a wide range of subjects, including politics, history, travel, sport, gangland violence and birdwatching! He previously pursued a varied career in government, the highlights of which included multilateral government negotiations in Paris and forays into sub-Saharan Africa
