The Influence of the Theories of John Clerk of Eldin on British Fleet Tactics, 1782-1805

This article is a fundamental re-examination of the published work of John Clerk of Eldin and the influence it had on fleet commanders of the Royal Navy from 1782. While previous assessments have alluded to the potential for some influence, the general conclusion has been that any influence was limi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Mariner's mirror 2020-04, Vol.106 (2), p.162-174
Main Author: Tildesley, Jim
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Clerk of Eldin
Howe
Kempenfelt
naval tactics
Nelson
Rodney
St Vincent
Trafalgar
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Summary:This article is a fundamental re-examination of the published work of John Clerk of Eldin and the influence it had on fleet commanders of the Royal Navy from 1782. While previous assessments have alluded to the potential for some influence, the general conclusion has been that any influence was limited; although some have dismissed it out of hand. For the first time there has been an opportunity to study Clerk's surviving notes and correspondence in depth which has provided clear proof that fleet commanders from Rodney to Nelson had been influenced by Clerk's writing and, in many cases, acknowledged his work.
ISSN:0025-3359
2049-680X
DOI:10.1080/00253359.2020.1736397