The Bomb Vessel

It had been a while since I read the first three books of the Nathaniel Drinkwater series and I am remonstrating myself not to let such a passage of time go by again before reading deeper into the stories. The Bomb Vessel is the 4th in a series which numbers 14, I believe and it is very enjoyable as well as educational. Richard Woodman has an ear for the mariner's language of the times and the knowledge gained through experience to write accounts of naval engagements and experiences which sound like first person eye witness accounts. If you enjoy reading about those days when men went down to the sea in ships of sail, you could do no better than to start reading this author.

Describes the circumstances surrounding the action at Copenhagen in 1801 (not the lesser-known debacle in 1807, told in Mr. Cornwell's 'Sharpe's Prey'). I say 'action' but there is remarkably little of it for the bulk of the book, more delaying and prevaricating, despite the presence of Lord Nelson. A personal undercurrent pre-occupies Nat, who uses his previous clandestine life as a cover - the on-board speculation is handled very nicely.Having said there is no action is misleading; the very lack of progress to action causes unrest in the ranks (and higher command), showing how lack of purpose and conviction, or unfitness for the task can severely jeopardise an operation, causing unnecessary loss of surprise, ships, and men. This is well-told, without losing one's interest as the various strings of the plot are drawn together, culminating in the final bloody action.Altogether a gripping thriller topped by a detailed factual description of a complex naval battle.*****

Having returned from the Red Sea (see "A Brig of War"), Drinkwater finds himself on the beach, suspecting that an enemy is using petticoat influence against him. However, some patronage gets him the command of the bomb vessel, Virago, although still a lieutenant. The early part of the story deals with the problems of manning and supplying the vessel, and getting ready for sea. A last minute, unexpected addition to his crew is his brother, on the run from troubles.The Virago joins the fleet bound for Copenhagen, and Drinkwater has the opportunity to distinguish himself at the first Battle of Copenhagen in April 1801. On the personal side, he must deal with the problem of his brother who he has concealed among the crew under a false name, and a problem with his purser. Drinkwater does eventually receive some unexpected petticoat influence in his favor.The Battle of Copenhagen and the related politics are described in some detail. Woodman provides useful maps and, as in other novels of the series, provides time periods at the top of each chapter. This novel covers the time period from September 1800 to July 1801, a relatively brief period compared to earlier novels in the series.

The Bomb Vessel is the fourth installment in the Nathaniel Drinkwater saga following A Brig of War in quick succession. It features some of the characters from A Brig of War including Mr. Rogers, Tregembo and Mr. Q. Tregembo has been a mainstay since An Eye of the Fleet and it seems that Mr. Q will be a regular fixture in future episodes. Woodman also has a formidable cast of characters, some real and some fictitious, who interact against the historical backdrop of the 1801 attack on Copenhagen. A lesser author would have stretched this novel into several hundred pages but Woodman writes economically and focuses on the development of Drinkwater.By now the reader has a good understanding of Drinkwater. We know that he is a very decent family man. We also know that he can be caught in conflicts between various loyalties and that he has the quick wits to make the best of undesirable situations. We know too as the faithful Tregembo states, `"Men don't cross the lieutenant too successfully, zur, leastaways not sensible men"'. He is a fierce and formidable fighting man although his wounds acquired over 20 years of active service bother him as he approaches 40. Woodman still has a few surprises for the reader regarding Drinkwater's abilities. It turns out that he had learned a number of skills in the decade plus between An Eye of the Fleet and A King's Cutter. I suspect that The Bomb Vessel will not be the last time that heretofore unknown skills from that long period of inaction will come in useful.The Bomb Vessel itself is the story of Nelson's attack on Copenhagen from Drinkwater's perspective. Apparently bomb vessels were used for shelling shore targets. Such duty was unromantic and dangerous. Ships of the line typically received the attention delivering powerful broadsides under sail. However, a bomb vessel would have to shell shore targets from an anchored position while quite probably receiving withering fire. The danger of a tremendous explosion that would completely destroy the ship and its crew was ever present. Drinkwater must overcome these dangers while dealing with problems from above, problems within his crew and sailing in the Baltic during a cold Scandinavian spring.Woodman's Drinkwater series is grittier than earlier series. The reader will leave The Bomb Vessel with a better understanding of how ships were provisioned, pursers' roles, and how buoys were laid. One will also have a great respect for the impact of shot and shell on human flesh and the limitations of medicine in 1800. Men died and died horribly of wounds, in pre-anaesthetic days, that modern surgeons could treat very easily.The Bomb Vessel is like other entries in the series. It is fast, easy reading although one has to be careful that crucial details are not missed. Woodman writes simply but the dialogue does sound genuine to the time. I did find the causes of and ultimate resolution of the Danish conflict som

Nathaniel Drinkwater, the hero of this series, is a contemporary of Horatio Hornblower, but is actually more believable. If you love Forester and O'Brien, you will really enjoy this book. The Bomb Vessel takes place early in the Napoleonic Wars, with Drinkwater in command of a bomb vessel which is taking part in an attack on Copenhagen. Woodman has his historical characters exactly accurate, and the book is rich in both seafaring technique and characterization. This whole series should be reissued, not just "Eyes of the Fleet".