Dimensions
164 x 240 x 26mm
Britain, like other colonial powers, established, controlled and accessed her empire from the seas. Her capital ships were deployed mostly in home waters, for the defence of the realm, and a presence was maintained in distant waters by smaller ships. It was realised that the preservation of secure trading conditions, extensively threatened by pirates, slavers and rebels, required armed ships able to operate in shallow coastal and river waters. The gunboat was developed to meet this need: a small, shallow-draft, steam-powered screw or paddle driven vessel, sufficiently fast and manoeuvrable to take the enemy, whether on shore or afloat, by surprise.
This book tells what happened when the cry went up "Send a gunboat" - thirteen episodes of remarkable gunboat action recalling the great days of Imperial rule.
Includes 40 black-and-white photographs.
