The 1805 Dispatches #21.05 October 2021 1 of 6 THE REGULAR NEWSLETTER OF THE 1805 CLUB www.1805club.org THE 1805 DISPATCHES Issue 21.05 October 2021 THE VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE Observations From The Chairman, Capt. John Rodgaard (USN Retd.) I trust all of you were able to enjoy the past few months with family and friends and that you and all of those you care for have been keeping well. We certainly have been experiencing times like no other in our memories. But, as with many of you, I can see through my long glass a brighter horizon, although there are squalls ahead that may force The Club to shorten sail in order to weather through them. However, I believe what has helped us as a club is, that through the tireless efforts of the editors of theTrafalgar Chronicle, Kedge Anchor and theonline1805 Dispatches, some aspect of continuity has been maintained for you. That reminds me to say that this year’s Trafalgar Chroniclewas shipped out to you in September. Do let the editors know if you have not received your copy. tc.editor@1805club.org As we move toward the end of 2021, The Club has been moving along smartly in restructuring. It has begun to transition into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Also, a parallel organisation, The 1805 Trading Company is in the process of being established. Articles of association have been approved and a Board of Directors has been established. Once in operation, the trading company will take over the management of The Trafalgar Way (https:// www.thetrafalgarway.org/home) and it will be the focal point for marketing its merchandise, and fund-raising for The Club. I am happy to report The Club’s events calendar (diary) is �illing in, with the hope that Club events will return to a relatively ‘normal’ state soon. On Saturday 14 August, several North American members from the Washington D.C. area met aboard the replica of the Continental SloopProvidencefor a Saturday cruise, under sail, on the Potomac River. Dinner followed at one of Alexandria, Virginia’s fashionable restaurants. Thank you Pete Stark for organising it. The second event was The Club’s participation in the US Naval Academy’s bi-annual McMullen Naval History Symposium (23-24 September). This was The Club’s fourth McMullen in which it sponsored a three-person panel of scholars to present their papers. The theme was The Challenges of Operating at a Distance, 1750-1815. As for upcoming events, the �irst will be at the Army and Navy Club (The RAG) in London on Saturday 9 October. Members are invited to see original Nineteenth Century art depicting the Battle of Trafalgar by Auguste Ballin. I wish to thank our former chairman Bill White for organising this event. On Friday 5 November, The American Friends of the National Museum of the Royal Navy will hold their annual Pickle Night. It is a major fund raiser for the National Museum of the Royal Navy. As with last year, this Pickle Night will be held virtually. https:// afnmrn.org On 6 November, our director of The Trafalgar Way, Ms. Kathy Brown, will hold an awards ceremony at The RAG for the winners of The Trafalgar Way’s annual art competition. This will be followed by the �irst Trafalgar Way Pickle Night dinner at The RAG. Our Membership Secretary, Mr. Barry Scrutton, will notify all via email about these events. I do hope all of you and your loved ones will continue to be safe. It is my hope that one day we will be able to see one another ‘in person.’ HOLD FAST. Yoursaye, AUGUSTE BALLINS FOUR SCENES OF TRAFALGAR. 1.00PM Available from https://www.maritimeprints.com/portfolio/ view/auguste-ballins-four-scenes-of-trafalgar-1-00-pm/
The 1805 Dispatches #21.05 October 2021 2 of 6 SHIP’S WORD WHEEL Take a ten-minute break and find as many words as possible, using the letters in the wheel. Each must use the hub letter and at least 3 others, used only once. No plurals (if only made with by adding an ‘s’ or ‘es’), no foreign words not in common usage in English, nor proper nouns. There is at least one nine-letter word to be found. 30 = Average; 40 = Good; 50 = Very Good; 60 = Amazing! Answers on page 4 Lunchtime Drinks Reception at the Army and Navy Club (The RAG) Saturday 9th October 2021 The 1805 Club, like many other organisations, has had a frustrating time during the COVID lockdowns over the last eighteen months. Through the efforts of the Editors of the Trafalgar Chronicle, Kedge Anchor andonline Dispatches, some continuity has been maintained for members, but we have been unable to pursue many of our usual interests. We feel therefore that, as the COVID restrictions begin to lift, we should seek to reenergize Club activities. This Reception has been organised primarily with this objective in mind, and to enable 1805 Club members who attend to suggest possible ways ahead. But fortuitously, there has been a development independent of the Club which provides an opportunity for us to hold this Reception in a forum that also enables us to explain The 1805 Club and its activities to a wider Service audience. The Naval Club (formed during WW2 for the RNVR, but recently closed) possessed a substantial art collection that has been transferred to The Army and Navy Club (RAG), including paintings of the Battle of Trafalgar by Auguste Ballin, (e.g. see p1 of this TD) which will be viewed on this visit. As a significant number of RAG members are naval officers, we shall also be making a short presentation about the history of The 1805 Club and its activities; partly because the Club might consider a closer relationship with The RAG, as a possible London venue for full naval history lectures (provided the terms are reasonable). If you have not received, or have mislaid, your copy of the booking form, please contact Barry Scrutton as soon as possible. The HMS Victory Preservation Company is looking to appoint two new trustees. HMSVictoryis an icon. A unique symbol of national and, speci�ically, maritime history. She is undergoing a major period of conservation and stabilisation. The programme has a substantial endowment and is fully funded. These two appointments will appeal to those who have a keen interest in The Royal Navy, maritime history and conservation, museums, and exhibitions. They are particularly keen to hear from candidates who have a background in: Investment Management Experience with managing the investment of substantial amounts in a variety of funds with consideration to costs and the restrictions and reputational risks to charities. Historic Ships and Conservation Experience with conserving and working on or studied historic ships, a knowledge of the technical complexities and restrictions and with an understanding of the policies and resources needed to maintain historic artefacts. If you have an ambition to contribute to such a rewarding venture, have the vision to help set its future direction, relish handling complexity and delivering change, and possess the leadership qualities to help us achieve this we want to hear from you. We are a forward-thinking Board of Trustees, we very much welcome interest from those who are looking for their �irst non-executive role and from those who can add further to the diversity to the Trustee Board. HOW TO APPLY More information on how to apply for this exciting role can be found at www.nmrn.org.uk/about-nmrn If you have any questions, please email: governance@nmrn.org.uk JOB VACANCY VISIT TO THE RAG (For members of The 1805 Club) Internationalism is a hugely valuable part of The 1805 Club's character and, therefore relevant news items from members of all nations are strongly welcomed for TD. Ideally, they should be about 300 words, give or take a hundred, with images where possible. If you send something longer, then it may have to go intoKA, where they can be as long as you like and will be equally welcomed (but may get edited to fit). Never fear lack of experience – I managed it. Ed. If you enjoyed the film ‘Master and Commander: Far Side of the World’, here’s a review that you will not want to have missed: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=dMv_LOGMZN0
The 1805 Dispatches #21.05 October 2021 3 of 6 The Trafalgar Way 13th October 2021 - Royal Lymington Yacht Club This talk on The Trafalgar Way is being given free by Kathy Brown, in return for donations. See homepage of https://www.thetrafalgarway.org/ and https://www.thetrafalgarway.org/talks We were recently sent this photograph of a framed plaque at the Trafalgar Bridge in Swansea. The inscription reads: ‘The Battle of Trafalgar was a decisive point in the wars with revolutionary France, 1793-1815, cementing Britain’s naval supremacy and removing the threat of invasion. On 21st of October 1805, the Royal Navy under Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson intercepted the combined French and Spanish fleets of the Cape of Trafalgar as they sailed from the Port of Cadiz in Spain. In the ensuing battle the French and Spanish lost two-thirds of their fleet while no British ship was lost. Nelson, the hero of the battle, died on board HMS Victory at about 4:30 pm, by which time he knew that he had achieved an overwhelming victory. This plaque was unveiled on 21st October 2005 by Commodore R.C. Hastie, CBE, CStJ, RD*, JP, RNR, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan. On the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. In the proud remembrance of those men who served. Over 100 Glamorgan men fought at Trafalgar, including more than sixty from Swansea and its surrounding villages. Twenty-four men from Wales served under Nelson in the Ship’s Company of HMS Victory.’ [Note: This image detached itself from the sender. Please advise me who sent it. Ed.] In The 1805 Club there are invariably vacancies for volunteers to come forward to help out in various ways. Not the least of these is the requirement for a Sub-Editor of The 1805 Dispatches every two months and The Kedge Anchor twice a year. The jobs do not need prior editorial experience as on-thejob training on constructing layout, on procurement of copy and on style will be provided by the Editor. What is needed, however, is the ability to read and write, preferably in English (if only to make life easier for the Editor). It is not an onerous job and can be quite satisfying, and fun, and the successful holder may one day be capable of becoming the Editor. VISIT THE TRAFALGAR BRIDGE IN SWANSEA, GLAMORGAN, WALES 1805 CLUB VACANCIES Never forget that there is a whole treasure trove of interesting stuff on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/The1805Club/ The British Officers Club of Washington DC will be holding its annual Trafalgar Dinner on Saturday, October 23 from 1800 - 2150 at the Fairfax Country Club. It is open to members of The 1805 Club. This is a black tie dinner and the cost has tentatively been set at $110. Please hold the date if you are interested in attending. Pete Stark will send out additional registration information as soon as it becomes available. From personal experience Pete can attest that this is an extremely enjoyable event. Do not forget the King's Maritime History Seminar on 18 November which will be: ‘The Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (22-25 July, 1797): Horatio Nelson vs. Antonio Gutiérrez’ By Justo Hernandez, Universidad de Laguna https://www.kcl.ac.uk/events/the-battle-of-santa-cruz-de-tenerife-22-25-july-1797-horatio-nelson-vs.-antonio-gutierrez BOC, Washington DC Trafalgar Dinner, Saturday October 23, 2021 What is even more important than job vacancies for volunteers is the need for new members. If you are not a member, and are concerned at missing out on all the fun, please contact Membership Secretary, Barry Scrutton – a very welcoming individual who will be delighted to hear from you. Click on : Barry Scrutton
The 1805 Dispatches #21.05 October 2021 4 of 6 FORTHCOMING EVENTS Date Event 9October Visit to The RAG 13October TTW Talk at Royal Lymington Yacht Club 6November TTW Prize-Giving 6November Pickle Night Supper & Arty Auction Admiral Hawke: Britain's Greatest Forgotten Naval Commander, by Ruddock F. Mackay, 1965 (new Kindle Edition from Amazon) Edward Hawke’s naval victories were matched only by Horatio Nelson, but few remember him today. So who was this naval genius and what was his contribution to the history of the Royal Navy? Ruddock F. Mackay uncovers the life of this much-forgotten maritime hero, whose victory at Quiberon Bay can only be compared to Trafalgar or the defeat of the Spanish Armada. This should be essential reading for all interested in the history of the Age of Sail. The Shanty Book - Part 1 (Lyric Legacy Historic Edition): A Classic Collection of Sailor Sea Songs, Chanteys, and Work Tunes Paperback – 2021 A collection of 30 sea songs from Richard Runciman Terry first published in 1921. Some of the most famous as well as lesser known sea song titles, which were often also used as popular pub and drinking songs. Includes multipart harmony and lyrics for each piece, which are essential for a rhythmic work song! In this volume, Terry provides a brief synopsis on the included shanty tunes, along with a description of shanties in general, the history of the genre, and the methods on how he collected the tunes for this volume. Printed in full 8.5 x 11” format, 30 different sea songs are included, which sample popular windlass, capstan, halliard, fore-sheet or sweating-up, and bunt shanties of the age. NAVAL TERMS THAT HAVE ‘COME ASHORE’ Cat – The cat o’ nine tails was an instrument of punishment comprising nine rope ‘tails’ on a handle, with which recalcitrants were flogged. If knotted it was called a thieves cat. Two expressions came ashore, the first from the practice of storing the cat in a red baize bag – when the cat was let out of the bag painwas imminent. The other expression to come ashore is the expression that there is hardly room to swing a cat, in a cramped space. Parbuckle, curable, caulker, buckler, plucker, backup, buckra, burlap, apercu, pleura, buckle, ruckle, pucker, baulk, burka, lubra, caulk, pelau, pareu, kapur, bluer, ruble, cupel, lucre, ulcer, pluck, pluke, ubac, beau, bapu, caul, pacu, urea, kula, kapu, puka, raku, pula, cube, buck, club, curb, blue, lube, pube, rube, bulk, burk, blur, burl, burp, clue, luce, puce, cure, ecru, luck, puck, ruck, curl, puke, pule, lure, rule, pure, lurk, purl. SHIP’S WORD WHEEL ANSWERS THE 1805 CLUB Founded in 1990, the Club: • Promotes research into and education about the Royal Navy, merchant maritime service and other state navies of the same era; and • Promotes and engages in the preservation of monuments and memorials relating to the Royal Navy and seafaring people of the later sailing-navy era; and • Organises relevant cultural, historical and social events. The Club is charity No. 1071871, registered in England and Wales. Individuals desiring further information may contact: Stephen Howarth, Hon. Club Secretary, The 1805 Club Shelton Great Barn, Shelton, Notts, NG23 5JQ, UK Email: secretary@1805club.org Telephone: 01949 851805. For a membership application details please contact: Barry Scrutton, Hon. Membership Secretary, The 1805 Club 1 Cambus Road, London, E16 4AY, UK email: membership.secretary@1805club.org Telephone: 020 7476 1215. Or: Harold E (Pete) Stark, Hon US Secretary, The 1805 Club 1980 Scotts Crossing Way, No. 002, Annapolis MD 21401 USA Email: the.americas.membership.secretary@1805club.org Telephone: 410-269-9760 (mobile) Or: Mark Billings, Hon Canadian Secretary, The 1805 Club 4000 Marlowe Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3M2 Canada Email: canadian.membership.secretary@1805club.org Telephone: 1-514-296-1641 Visit our website: www.1805club.org Or see us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Or to join go to: Join The 1805 Club The Newsletter for Anyone Interested in The 1805Club PURPOSE. The purpose of this newsletter is to support and advance the Club’s objectives. The newsletter provides anyone who is interested with brief items of news about the club and its activities, in the hope that the it can help the club attract wider interest in naval history and new members. Much of the content will be a précis of articles that will appear inThe Kedge Anchor, the sixmonthly club magazine. EDITORIAL POLICY. The editor has full editorial responsibility for the newsletter. Views expressed in the newsletter are those of individual authors, unless claimed by the editor. Articles which appear do not express the of�icial position of The 1805 Club on any subject unless speci�ically noted as such. Content of contributions to the newsletter may be edited for grammar, space allocation, or to better serve the purpose of the newsletter. Contributors wishing to be alerted to editorial decisions should notify the editor at the time that their contribution is submitted. Otherwise the submission will be published within the scope of the editorial policy. ISSUE AND COPY DATES The proposed issue dates for The 1805 Dispatches are: February, April, June, August, October and December. Anyone wishing to contribute an article or news item to the editor for inclusion in the newsletter should do so by the beginning of the month preceding the issue in which it is to be inserted. Any articles that are not timespeci�ic can be submitted at any time, with a note advising him of that fact. All copy is welcome, but not all copy may be used! Cat flap o’eight tails (plus one in transit) BOOK ANNOUNCEMENTS
The 1805 Dispatches #21.05 October 2021 5 of 6 LATE NEWS EXTRA It is intended that the The 1805 Dispatches will usually have a four-page format, but one of the joys of digitalonly publications is that there is a flexibility that is unavailable to printed matter. In August, twelve 1805 Club members (and spouses) enjoyed a two-hour Potomac River cruise aboard the Tall ShipProvidence. Launching from Alexandria, Virginia, we had fun recognizing familiar landmarks on the shore: Maryland’s MGM Grand Casino, Virginia’s Reagan National Airport, and the Washington Monument and US Capitol upriver in Washington, DC. Afterwards we dined at the Hummingbird Restaurant in Old Towne, Alexandria, with participants from New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Bravo to US Secretary, Pete Stark for arranging the outing and to Peter Pennington for recommending the restaurant! The Tall Ship Providence is a replica of the sloop Katy; ownedby John Brown of Providence, Rhode Island. Built in 1769, Katy was a merchant ship, privateer, and whaler. In 1775 she became the flagship of Rhode Island, opposing the Royal Navy’s enforcement of British tax laws on maritime trade. In 1775 the Continental Congress passed legislation to purchase Katy for the Continental Navy. Katy was refitted in Philadelphia and renamed Providence in honor of Rhode Island’s capital city and, during four years of service, she took more than 40 prizes. In 1779, in the Penobscot Expedition to eject the British from American shores, she was burned, with other Continental Navy ships, to thwart capture by the British. To commemorate the US Bicentennial in 1976, the Bicentennial Council funded several projects, one being to build a replica of Providence, for the “Seaport 76” tall ship fleet. In 1995 she was sold to Providence, Rhode Island to serve as the city’s symbol. The city created the Providence Maritime Heritage Foundation to maintain her. In 2004 she appeared in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, but in 2005 the foundation folded and Providence went into dry dock. She had a private owner for four years and returned to dry dock, lapsing into a deteriorating condition. The Tall Ship Providence Foundation formed in 2017 to return the ship to her former glory. After renovation, she sailed to her new home in Alexandria, Virginia where she now delights the city with tours, cruises, and private charters. To learn more, visit the web site for the Tall Ship Providence Foundation at https://tallshipprovidence.org EAST COAST US 1805 CLUB MEMBERS ENJOY A CRUISE ON THE TALL SHIP PROVIDENCE, By Dr Judy Pearson 2021 MCMULLEN NAVAL HISTORY SYMPOSIUM U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND, USA By Pete Stark The 2021 McMullen Naval History Symposium took place September 23 – 24. The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis MD USA, hosted this worldwide symposium, expertly employing the latest technology to enable video attendance and research presentation with minimal issues. This capability expanded conference attendance, with approximately 300 attending in person, and 300 attending virtually. The Academy History Department hosts this “world-renowned biennial event to highlight the latest research on naval and maritime history from world-wide academics and practitioners.” Since 2015 The 1805 Club has sponsored a panel of naval/maritime historians presenting their research. This year’s panel, chaired by ▻
The 1805 Dispatches #21.05 October 2021 6 of 6 LATE NEWS EXTRA Plus The 1805 Club Chairman Capt. John Rodgaard, addressed the topic "The Challenges of Operating at a Distance, 1750 – 1815." Our three panelists provided very interesting and informative papers, discussing how British, French, and Danish navies, operating far from home waters, met, or did not meet, extreme logistical and other operational challenges. The failures in some cases to meet those challenges provide significant lessons. Happily, a number of 1805 Club members were present this year, both in-person and virtually, including viewers from the UK, Denmark, Canada, Spain, and the US. Dr. Jakob Seerup of the Bornholm Museum in Denmark presented virtually “A Failed Danish Naval Operation on the Barbary Coast, 1753,” discussing the little-known effort of the Danish Navy to free Danes captured from vessels seized by Morocco. Although the effort involved several well-armed warships, it failed to influence an intransigent Moroccan government. After significant negotiation between far-off governments and their representatives, the Danes finally agreed to pay a large sum of money for the captives’ freedom. Tragically, the Danes lost one of their ships to fire (caused by a lit candle in the hold) as the captives were being brought off. Dr. Cori Convertito of the Key West Art and Historical Society focused on the Royal Navy in her presentation “Equipped for War? Royal Navy Supply Chain Failures to the West Indies in the 1790s.” In this presentation, Dr. Convertito detailed the severe logistical problems the Royal Navy experienced in its efforts to wrest various West Indian islands from the French, while simultaneously protecting its already extensive island possessions. The Royal Navy’s problems extended to the complete failure at times of their supply chain, often resulting in a serious lack of food and medical supplies. Often the theatre commanders were left on their own to acquire needed supplies locally at an increased cost. The final presentation was “Occupying the English in Unforeseen Points: Napoleon’s Struggle for Maritime Power Projection, 1804 – 1810”, byDr. Kenneth Johnson from Air University, Prattville, Alabama. He examined Napoleon’s struggles to bring significant force to bear to challenge British worldwide naval strength. Dr. Johnson also touched on French activities in the West Indies. The French faced many of the same logistical problems as the British, as they fought to retain the small number of islands they still possessed and to use them to strategic advantage. To wrap up this well-received session, Dr. Evan Wilson of the U.S. Naval War College summarized his takeaways from the presentations and posed questions to the presenters, allowing time for deeper dives into the presenters’ subject matter. Because the symposium was also held virtually, all the sessions were recorded and will be made available for viewing, a wonderful benefit. As attendees know, it is extremely difficult to choose which panels to attend among so many excellent offerings. Watch for emails from the Symposium on how to access the recorded sessions. The full program listing is still available at https://www.usna.edu/History/Symposium/index.php. 2021 MCMULLEN NAVAL HISTORY SYMPOSIUM U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY, ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND, USA By Pete Stark The 1805 Club members and panelists (L to R): Mrs. Catherine Lincoln, Dr. Cori Convertito, Dr. Kenneth Johnson, Capt. John Rodgaard (USN Ret.), Dr. Evan Wilson, Mr. Pete Stark And this time The 1805 Dispatches has a sixth page, which will not happen regularly!
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