Statesmen and Sailors is an account of how Australia acquired a navy.
In the period immediately after Federation in 1901 the newly formed Commonwealth decided that it required some form of naval protection. It was, however, not sure what it wanted.
Equally the British were determined to retain complete control over the naval defences of their Empire.
The developments which led to an Australian Fleet steaming through Sydney Heads in 1913 and going to war a year later form the subject of this book.
The story examines events in Melbourne and Whitehall, with comparatively unsophisticated Australian politicians dealing with experienced politicians, bureaucrats and naval officers in London. The book not only looks at the foundation of an Australian navy but the changes in British fortunes brought about by the rise in German naval power that forced an abandonment of an Imperial strategy based on naval supremacy.
This is a Special Edition, #288 of 500.
This copy is in Very Good condition. There is some minor marking of the page edges and cover. There is some very minor shelf wear. As always, the photos are of the book you will receive.