Book Description

Who was responsible for the design of the Admiral Popov, the circular Russian battleship that wouldn't steer straight? Why did Lord Anson set out to circumnavigate the world with a crew of Chelsea pensioners? And how did the British cruiser HMS Trinidad manage to torpedo itself in the Arctic? The answers to these questions and details of numerous other entertaining and unbelievable historical events are revealed in this absorbing survey of naval incompetence from Roman times to the Falklands War. Bestselling author Geoffrey Regan certainly sets out to prove that there is truth in the old adage Worse things happen at sea. Crammed with intriguing and often bizarre anecdotes and over fifty illuminating illustrations, Naval Blunders takes a serious, but often entertaining look at the misjudgements and oversights of captains, fleet commanders, strategic planners and ship designers over the ages. Peppered with quotes from those who did their utmost (albeit unwittingly) to hinder naval progress, this entertaining and instructive book will appeal to the naval enthusiast and general reader alike.

About the Author

Geoffrey Regan was a History Master at Charterhouse School, Godalming and Deputy Headmaster and Acting Headmaster at Halliford School. He wrote 30 historical and educational books including, Military Blunders, More Military Blunders, Historical Blunders, Royal Blunders, Flying Blunders, Blue on Blue and Fight or Flight. He was the Series Consultant for Channel 4's 'Great Military Blunders' series, broadcast in 2000 and Historical Consultant for ABCs 'Blue on Blue' (Autumn 2000).