Nelson The Commander By Geoffrey Bennett Chapter Summary

BOOK REVIEW- NELSON: THE COMMANDER BY GEOFFREY BENNETT

SLt P Yashmitha (44465-F)

Nelson: The Commander is military classic written by Geoffrey Bennett of the greatest naval commanders in history, Admiral Horatio Nelson. The book provides a detailed account of Nelson's life, from his early years as a midshipman to his heroic death at the Battle of Trafalgar.

The book is well-researched and draws upon a variety of primary and secondary sources, including Nelson's letters and diaries, as well as the accounts of his contemporaries. Nelson as mentioned in the book has always sought for fame, glory and personal success, but on the other side, the author also mentions about his extraordinary courage and leadership skills. Bennett has also provided

The chapter also mentions Nelson’s achievements and portrays Nelson as a restless and ambitious young man, who was determined to make a name for himself in the Navy. Bennett paints a vivid picture of the social and political landscape of eighteenth-century England, and how Nelson's humble beginnings as the son of a country parson shaped his character and outlook.

The author also provides insights into Nelson's formative experiences as a sailor, including his first voyage on a merchant ship to the West Indies and his subsequent service in the Royal Navy. Bennett shows how Nelson's talent for naval strategy and his charismatic leadership skills quickly earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow sailors and superiors.

What stands out in this chapter is Bennett's ability to bring Nelson's world to life, describing in vivid detail the sights, sounds, and smells of life aboard a British warship during the late eighteenth century. His writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow Nelson's journey from his early years to his rise to fame as a naval

Crossing the T: One of the most famous tactics that Nelson employed was called "crossing the T." This tactic involved maneuvering one's fleet across the bow of the enemy's line of battle, creating a perpendicular position. This allowed the British ships to fire broadsides at the enemy while remaining out of range of their guns. The tactic was used by Nelson at the Battle of the Nile and the Battle of Trafalgar and was highly effective.

3. Concentration of Force: Nelson believed that concentrating his forces was essential to victory. Rather than splitting his fleet into smaller groups, he preferred to keep his ships together, creating a more formidable force. By concentrating his force, he could overwhelm the enemy and prevent them from escaping. At the Battle of the Nile, he split his fleet into two divisions, but he kept the two groups close enough together to provide mutual support.

4. Maneuvering in Battle: Nelson was a master of maneuvering his fleet during battle. He believed that mobility was essential to success and that a fleet that could maneuver quickly would have a significant advantage. He used a variety of maneuvers, such as the "turning movement" and the "break the line" tactic, to outmaneuver his opponents and gain the upper