In Australian Colonial Navies Colin Jones has written a fascinating and comprehensive account of the naval history of Australia from 1788 until the newly created nation's own ships first flew the white ensign in 1911. The Royal Australian Navy traces its history back to the sloop-of-war Victoria and the formation of the Victorian navy in 1860. From this and the other colonial naval forces existing before Federation arose a naval tradition that was to produce the modern Australian navy. The story of the origin and growth of this tradition is an important theme of this book.
This exciting and well-written history of the colonial navies provides general readers with a very accessible introduction to a little-known subject and specialists with the most up-to-date and accurate account of this period. It includes not only technical details of the colonial warships but also vivid descriptions, often taken from contemporary accounts, of how they prepared for the possibility of war with France or Russia. Australian Colonial Navies also gives a detailed account of the service of HMCS Victoria in the Anglo-Maori war of 1860-61, the first official Australian involvement in a foreign conflict.
Few guns are fired in anger in this book, but there is plenty of drama and even humour, and its story of the genesis of Australia's proud naval tradition deserves to be told. Australian Colonial Navies is richly illustrated with contemporary photographs and engravings, and specially drawn ship profiles and maps.
This item is in Excellent condition. There is some minor coloring of the page edges and very minor shelf wear. As usual, photos are of the item that you will receive.